For what it is worth, I have a Kora Eclipse preamp. It is a hybrid. The MC phono stage is reated at 55db gain, the line stage output at 25db. I was, at first, hesitant about whether I would have enough gain for the Shelter 501 Mk11 I bought. Suffieicnt gain is not an issue. I have yet to have the volume pot past the 9:00 position.
To "Step up", or not?
I have a general question(s) about the use of step up transformers; Am I better off buying a cartridge that may be higher output and that matches my current phono stage, or buying a lower output cartridge and introducing a step up transformer into the system? Are lower output cartridges generally speaking, better than higher output? For example, I have read in this forum, and others, about the Denon DL103R, and Shelter 501. I would purchase one of these in the future. However, my phono stage only has a gain of 53db, which is not enough for these cartridges. To include one of these fine cartridges in my system, I would need a step up transformer. I am wondering if I would get better sound with a medium output cartridge and not have the step up.