I'm throwing in a vote for Barry Thornton's Austin Audio Black Swan MM/MC phono pre. Unprepossessing, to say the least, little black box, all the dials you could ever want on the front, under $1800 and incredibly neutral and given to on-the-fly adjustment. An audition may change your mind about a lot of things. In my system it seems as invisible as I never thought possible, but if visual appeal for your friends' admiration is important, go ahead and spend more. A lot more maybe, but likely better spent elsewhere.
Recommendations for MM Phono ~ Tube or Solid State
As title suggests, I am currently using a MC Cart - Etsuro Bordeaux and planning on adding an SUT. The TT is Garrard 301 with Reed 3P tonearm.
SUT under consideration,
1) Etsuro ET-U50
2) Swissonor PPP-PP Hashimoto HM7
3) EMIA Copper or Silver version
On top of my list is Leben RS-30EQ and Accuphase C-47.
Also planning on adding 2nd Reed tonearm with Miyajima Labs Zero or Infinity Cart. From a purist perspective, what would be your recommendation to get the best out of a mono cart.
Thank you!