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Phono stage: MM only or MM/MC

Hi all. I have a Rega turntable and a clearaudio moving magnet cartridge.  I plan on using moving magnet always. My question is should I buy a moving magnet only phono stage? I don’t know how much of the cost of a more flexible stage goes to the MC circuitry and flexibility, and I certainly don’t want to pay for features I won’t use.  I am considering MM only stage is from Graham Slee and soundSmith.  The other stage that comes highly recommended is the latest Lehmann black cube SEii, Which features lots of flexibility for a MC cartridge, flexibility which I will probably never use.  I would also welcome any recommendations for phono stage is under $1000. I listen to all kinds of music through Martin Logan summit X speakers powered by Simaudio Moon 700i integrated.

advice please

Thanks

rustler
rustler

Showing 1 response by tobes

tobes's avatar
tobes
436 posts
 
@chakster I think you're being a bit dramatic.
Low gain tube phono can be quiet and work remarkably well at gains suitable for typical MM, say around 40dB.
However I've certainly had noise issues and frustration searching for low noise tubes with an all tube phono and LOMC (used one for about 8yrs). But my experience there is limited to a few designs and I wouldn't make a blanket statement.
Later I used SUT with lower gain tube phono for excellent results.

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