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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
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chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
If you’re using SoundSmith cartridge then you can use SoundSmith MM phono too, just ask Peter at SoundSmith. An MC phono stage with additional options will cost you more.

But MM/MC phono stage from JLTi (mk5) is great and reasonably priced
analogluvr
859 posts
 
I recently acquired an EAR 834P on trade and when I tried it to verify that it worked I was astounded at how good it is. It is within a breath of my Herron which retails at 3500USD  
I do have it for sale on the mart if you are interested. 


analogluvr
859 posts
 
IME I’ve always liked tubes better as they offer better staging and more emotional connection to the music.  Also you get the option to tune the sound by rolling tubes. YMMV. 
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,480 posts
 
The tube Croft RIAA can be had within your budget. I always preferred tube phono preamps!
http://www.croftacoustics.co.uk/main.html
 

RIAA Phono

For those wanting the magic of the Croft sound but not in the market to replace their preamp, the RIAA Phono is available. It uses 3 x 12AX7 tubes, has a frequency response of 20 Hz - 20 kHz +/- 0.5 dB, sensitivity 2 mV for 0.5 V rms o/p. Input Impedance 47 kOhms and power consumption 13 W.


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