Phono setting and MC/MM

I have some doubts about it, in the past maybe only the big vintage receivers top accepted MC cartridges in the connection, usually they were only predisposed for Cartridges MM.
What receiver is it, do you have brand and model by chance?

If it’s a high output MC there is no problem! What cartridge is it?

Tell him to try, if it’s too quiet with LOMC then it’s MM phono stage.
If it’s MM phono stage he could add a SUT (or headamp) and it will be fine to LOMC cart.

I strongly doubt the receiver is switchable to MC.  He will probably need a separate "head amp" (phono pre-preamp).  I would guess old head amps are available used for $50-$100.

Probably an older Mac, they would do MM, MC or MI. 3.5mv or better would work, load the MC cart correctly and away you go.
No your receiver is a MM cart.

The MC cart you have unless it's like a 5mv or higher. High output MC 

Look up the model number on the cart and see what the specs are. Google works great OP without a name and model. They are all different..

Thanks for all the replies.

He is looking to pick up a pioneer sx780.

The cartridge is a Japanese name (I don't have the box in front of me).  Pic below.

https://ibb.co/3rfDXTK

Looks like we will hook it up and see if we need that head amp.

Pioneer specs

Specifications

Tuning range: FM, MW

Power output: 45 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)

Frequency response: 5Hz to 80kHz

Total harmonic distortion: 0.05%

Damping factor: 30

Input sensitivity: 2.5mV (MM), 150mV (line)

Signal to noise ratio: 76dB (MM), 95dB (line)

Output: 150mV (line)

Speaker load impedance: 4Ω (minimum)

Semiconductors: 5 x FWT, 11 x IC, 26 x transistors, 22 x diodes

Dimensions: 480 x 140 x 320mm

Weight: 11.2kg

@sdaudiophile69

The cartridge is a Hana SL low output and the Pioneer is absolutely not compatible for cartridges MC.

Ok, thanks!

I agree you won’t have enough gain, most likely, but it will hurt nothing to just hook it all up and give it a try. That will let you know where are you are starting from.

BTW, I hope your buddy realizes what a good friend you are to donate a TT with a Hana SL!

Hook it up. Probably be fine just won’t play very loud. If the guy is happy with everything else, pointless to move laterally to another receiver, probably the best move will be to a MM cartridge.  

Hang onto the Hana for down the road, maybe have a decent phono stage that can have it singing.

Dear @sdaudiophile69 :  "   his receiver is just Phono. "

you only need to buy a SUT and a pair of IC cables and you are done, no problem with the MC cartridges.

This SUT is very good alternative:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/DENON-AU-320-Step-Up-Transformer-MC-Cartridge-Moving-Coil-Phono-Made-In-Jap...

Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,
R.