Dear Hamburger: I assume your phono stage can work with MM cartridges, right?.
If this is your case the first " factor " that we have to take in count is that in any phono stage the MM stage needs less " electronic steps " to work it due that the MM alternative needs less phono stage gain. This sole characteristics means that the cartridge signal pass for less " steps/veils " where in each of those steps the signal " suffer " a degradation. The cartridge signal in a MM cartridge always be a better quality signal ( everything the same ) and nearer to the recording. The MM signal does not have to pass through additional " gain stages " like Step up Trandformers like the MC ones.
Well, IMHO all this is an advantage that we can't dismiss.
You can try the Nagaoka MP-50 or 50 Super, Clearaudio Maestro or Ortofon 2M Black but there are other MM alternatives ( Music maker 3 ) that compete with almost any top LOMC cartridges like the ones you name it.
I think that is worth to try it, the MM alternative is almost " inexpensive " and the rewards are very good for say the least and in your anlog rig will perform great.
No, I' not against the LOMC ones I realy like it too, my point is that the MM ones are something to hear. Don't let that its low price " intimidate " to you.
Regards and enjoy the music.
