Voltage mode vs current mode phono stages

It is very straightforward-

Moving Magnet cartridges produce high voltage, but low current.

Moving coil cartridges produce high current ( higher than MM's ) but very low voltage.

Moving coil step up transformers convert the high current/low voltage of a moving coil  to high voltage low current.

Alternately a better option for moving coil cartridges is to use a current gain input stage instead of a voltage gain input stage. This suits the MC better and in theory should have less loss because you are not converting current to voltage as a precursor to the amplification of the very small signal.

The tube/ voltage mode phono sounds more vivid, the SS current mode sounds more warm and relaxing. This is the most surprising and counterintuitive result having lived with both for a good 6 months.

@ledoux1238 

This may due to the specific design of the Channel D Lino rather than the technology employed.

I currently use a current sensing MC step up feeding the phono input on a Marantz 7 tube pre. It is vastly more transparent than using SUT's in a direct comparison. The SUT's cannot match the transparency, low end extension and speed of the current sensing step up. I own and have tried most of the highly regarded SUT's such as Audio Note, Tim Da Pavaracini 's Head ( which he says is the best he has ever made ), Cotter and many others. They can't compete.

This combo has also seen off my old Jadis, Klyne System 7, Lamm and many other much vaunted phono/pres.

The Goldmund PH2 phono is another example that is shockingly dynamic and quick.

I think you highlighted the SUT issue accurately when you said 

whereas voltage mode is an endless pursuit of SUT’s and loading.

You can spend a fortune on decent SUT's, buy a new cartridge, and have to start the process again.

Better off with the best high gain ( non SUT ) phono you can afford.

@dover Would you confirm if my guess on the Vd Hul Grail is correct? Like Lew, I did a bit more research on it, and it seems a very accomplished unit. 

@ledoux1238 

No it is as @lewm  stated - I have a bespoke moving coil step up using current mode/current sensing - the output is connected to the Marantz 7 phono (stage )  input.

It is not available commercially.

I suppose some aspects of SMD construction are beneficial, especially in a device centered around an op amp, but not all, and not when repair is needed.

This is very true - the proper equipment required to work on SMD boards is around $100k. Most tech's can't afford this investment, and if a manufacturer using SMD technology goes bust - then your precious unit, when it develops a problem will be toast. Even with most manufacturers that use SMD technology, if there is a fault - the "repair" is a new board.

Personally I would never buy a piece of audio kit using SMD technology - seen too many disasters. If you do buy an SMD based unit you have to assume it will need replacing within 5 years.