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Phono amplification bang for the buck

I tried asking a similar question over in amps/preamps but I didn’t get anything useful over there. I’m hoping I can here.

I have a Michel Gyrodec II with SME 309 arm, and several different low output MC cartridges(.2-.4 mv output).

My budget is around $4000 give or take. I need mc/mm phono amplification and line level preamplification. I am looking at new or demo. I would consider used only if it has a significant transferable manufacturer’s warranty.

My question is, given my needs, would I get better bang for the buck at this price level by getting a preamp with an integrated phono stage, or going with a line level preamp and a separate phono stage?


Thanks.
xaak
elliottbnewcombjr
5,089 posts
 
Several MC cartridges, two now, future?,

various signal strengths, various coil resistances

you need a versatile phono stage, I saw this recently

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Pro-Ject-Tube-Box-DS-MM-MC-Tube-Phono-Preamplifier-Black/224349939634

there is an option for a square trade 1 yr warranty. 

pro-ject site

https://www.project-audio.com/en/product/tube-box-ds/
elliottbnewcombjr
5,089 posts
 
now, your question:

To get a preamp for both line level inputs (how many inputs do you need?)

and MM/MC phono stage

and multiple loading options for MC 

is rare.

I decided to get a SUT step up transformer, with PASS for MM, and a few loading options for MC, and 3 inputs for 3 different arms.

That lets you get a preamp with MM Phono and Line Inputs, you send the SUT's output to the MM Phono input. 

lots exist, I chose this one (this one is expensive but shows it well)

https://www.ebay.com/itm/FR-Fidelity-Research-FRT-4-Toroidal-Transformer-Vintage-RARE/164633673789?h...
elliottbnewcombjr
5,089 posts
 
My first mc cartridge, I started a discussion here about "which sut"?

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/which-sut-for-3mv-10-ohms-mc-cartridge-into-3mv-mm-input-sens...

many helpful responses there

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