Will a MC phono preamp overload and distort with a higher output MC cartridge?

@almarg   Well said.  I would caution the OP to not disregard Al's warning about dynamic headroom.  To some extent your decision might be influenced by the types of music you enjoy.  It would be beneficial if you could audition the phono stage before purchasing.  Pull out some Wilson or Stockfisch vinyl to challenge the headroom.

Thank you. I am going to try the phono preamp.

The phono stage is spec’d as having a gain of 650 (which btw corresponds to a gain of 56.26 db), and as having a maximum output capability of 3.2 volts.

3.2 volts/650 = 4.9 mv.

So an output from the cartridge of 4.9 mv or more would overload the phono stage, assuming the specs on the phono stage are accurate.

Cartridge output specs are based on certain standard test conditions, which can be exceeded by the peaks of some recordings. The margin ("headroom") you would have is:

4.9 mv/1.6 mv = 3.06, which corresponds to 9.7 db.

That amount of headroom is within reason but is a little on the light side. There may be a few recordings on which brief dynamic peaks might cause it to be exceeded, but I suspect that on the great majority of recordings you would be ok.

This assumes, again, that all of the relevant specs are accurate.

BTW, I would expect that the fact that the phono preamp has a specified input impedance of 470 ohms, slightly less than the 500 ohm minimum value you indicated is recommended by the cartridge manufacturer, will **not** be a significant issue.

Good luck. Regards,
-- Al