Phono Stage

Am big fan of Gold Note products. Have had the disscontinued PH-1 in my 3rd system for years now.  Would question AI comment on “complex digital control” of PH-10.  The signal stays completely in analog domain, so that must be referring to the fact that you can choose EQ curves and multiple impedance choices, which strikes me as a plus, not a minus.  Another small format phono stage that gets raves is Modwright PH9.0, which is $3500 new.

With respect to gain v volume question, generally speaking, you want to get the gain right so that you’re not compensating with extra volume - that can increase noise.

more dreaded tubes, lets you have 1 MM and 1 MC connected/switchable, easy impedance options, on the back, why not put it on the front?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/297779029790?mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5338381866&toolid=10001&customid=0b727574-260c-11f1-99f0-626139323233

Above, and this one:

Always look a bit over your max, just in case a bit more $ might get you a lot more -----

https://www.ebay.com/itm/113890827661?mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5338381866&toolid=10001&customid=3e2938ee-260d-11f1-8c1f-376162633234

@signaforce 

As mdalton stated, "you want to get the gain right". Critical to achieve that. If the cartridge manufacturer specifications state 60db, that may vary slightly one way or another and if your phono preamp does not allow a little leeway one way or another, you are limited with your settings.

To give you an idea, the Rega Ania setting recommended is 69.5db. That is a setting that few phono preamps can offer. I think maybe the actual 69.5 setting is one that only a Rega preamp can achieve. But Rega does things in a proprietary manner. Most LOMC cartridges will be in the low to mid-60's. Kind of shocked that the McIntosh only goes up to 60db. Maybe someone can explain that?

The Blue Unami would require around a 65db setting, so you would be better suited to figure out (for sure) what cartridge you will be using before buying a preamp.