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 3 responses by dgarretson

Yeah, Nick Doshi is a great guy and his latest phono stage is the cat's whiskers. Lots of gain for a tube unit, dead quiet, and flexible.
Pass Labs XP-25 has two relay-switched inputs and relay-switched active gain options of 53db, 68db, and 76db. That gets it all done without a SUT. The unit has a wide range of selectable load options for MC, but is limited to 47K for MM. I solved that issue by installing a socket for plug-in resistors in the 47K position.
"All phono pres with MC input mentioned above do not have gains high enough for sub 0.1mV output MC cartridges"

I use a .05mV Ortofon MC2000 at 76db through Pass XP-25. It's above your stated budget, but works very well without a SUT. I agree that you'll need to keep that SUT if limited to $1500 for a phono stage.