MC or MM + SUT?


Hi folks,

Zeroing in on my first deck.  
Having no experience or knowledge about decks, I did my research and asked opinions. 

Was about to go with a used VPI Prime Scout.  
Then I looked at the Technics 1200 G.
 
Pulling the trigger on a last minute find: Open box Rega RP8.

The research has now been focused on a decent phonostage.

Is it better to get a MM/MC or a MM with SUT?

I have a few of each type of cartridge.


hleeid
Most of the phono stages on the market are MM/MC.
If your cartridge is 0.2 mV or higher you can use it with most of the MC phono stages, for lover output you will need a phono stage with higher gain.

SUT is a different flavor, only you can decide what you like with your carts in your system. 
Matching SUT to a cartridge impedance is also very important, this SUT for example can handle carts with 3 - 40 Ohm impedance range. 

In my opinion you have to start with MM/MC phono stage, you need an MM phono stage for a SUT anyway. 

P.S. Besides the SUTs you can use active headamp (with all LOMC) or very special current-injection phono stages (for low impedance MC only). 

Your statement of “I have a few of each type” would lead me to look at the MM/MC phono preamp option.  The premise for that choice would be the multiple MC cartridges and their individual requirements for optimal performance would not necessarily be provided by a single SUT.  Many phono preamps with MC ability provide multiple loading options and possibly multiple amplification settings that would be more versatile in you described situation.