MM/MI Phono Stages



I am switching from a Dynavector 10x5 to a Soundsmith Aida. I was always very happy with the 10x5 even after hearing way more expensive carts I was never left dissatisfied with its performance. With its price increasing quite a bit in the last few years I have made a decision to go with a more expensive SS model that can be re-tipped and repaired instead of shelling out money for new MC every couple of years. 

I have been using a Musical Surroundings Nova Phonoema. I also have a very good internal MM in my pre amp that is pretty close the SQ level of the Nova just different.

If I buy used what MM phono stages should I be looking at? I want Capacitance loading options, better sound quality and I don't really want to spend money on the MC option because I don't need it. So are there really good stand alone MM Stages that give you more bang for your buck then getting one on of these MM/MC stages. 

Thanks

darkstar1
Being a dedicated user of a very high output pickup, I like you did not want to pay for an extra gain stage (or step-up transformer) I wouldn't be using. So I gave Keith Herron a call to see if he had the long-since discontinued VTPH-1mm laying around. He didn't, but he did have a -1mc which he offered to rebuild into a -1mm for me. Give him a call, you may be as lucky as I.

Bbp24 exactly. I was looking not to pay for whole bunch of features and parts I don 't need. I wanted all the money going to what I am going to use.