Phono preamp with two inputs: two MMs or MM+MC?


These days many phono preamps with one input support both MM and MC. Those with two inputs have one MM and one MC input. It means that those phono preamps have an SUT or some sort of amplification built inside the unit.
Such phono preamps would cost more compared to those that support MM input(s) only.
Is it a trend for phono preamps to have switchable MM/MC input? According to my experience with two turntables or two tonearms (one with MM and one with MC), it is a nuisance to change cables whenever I change from MM to MC or vice vursa.
Also, I have an SUT for MC cartridges and I don't need a direct MC input, so phono preamps with two inputs (MM and MC) are useless for me. I would assume that there are a lot of users with multiple turntables with MC and MM cartridges who prefer SUTs over built in amplification. For those users, isn't it make more sense to make phono preamps with multiple (two or three) MM inputs only?
128x128ihcho

Showing 5 responses by bpoletti

Herron VTPH-2 has both MM and MC. It also has external connectors for MC load adjustment. No SUT on the MC side.
Ihcho, I think Keith Herron will configure a VTPH-2 for 2 mm inputs, but there isn't much demand for that kind of configuration.
IMO, and this is ONLY my opinion (not stating as fact), is that there is not any advantage to a SUT in the better phono stages. My preference is the MC input rather than an SUT into a MM input. As far as I'm concerned, SUT / MM input combo is only for those phono stages with deficient low-level MC input sections.

I cannot say I've made a direct comparison of a MC through a SUT into the MM input against the direct MC input in my system. But I find the MC input in my phono stage quite excellent and better than anything else I've heard.
BTW, I have not heard a London/Decca cartridge so I can't comment on how it sounds. (I want to hear it.)