MM phono preamplifier

+1 Leben RS-30EQ.

I saw all the suggestions which make me just salivate and get frustrated by not having all of them, but it’s got to be a one cake party.

I ended up buying a Zesto Andros 1. For the 2000 $ us that I paid for it used it is a favorable purchase considering it has a sut inside its chasis and healthy options for gain plus some loading options. Also, balanced INPUT connection for input only and input and output rca.

Look at the offerings from Hagerman Audio Labs. Great value.

@jperry 

@three_easy_paymentsorks fine with cartridges in the .5 mv range and the right SUT

I guess it just wouldn't work with my Zesto SUT which i thought was pretty versatile.  Mine only adds a max of 22dB gain.  I know you can get SUTs with much higher gain options. My Luxman phono stage goes up to 40dB on MM so I can get up to 62dB gain with the SUT. Around 59dB is what seems to work best with my 0.5mv cart.

Now I see how people become SUT collectors.  ;-)

For tubes  great priceHagerman Cornet III or used a Cornet II

@three_easy_paymentsorks fine with cartridges in the .5 mv range and the right SUT

I use this Quicksilver phono preamp. I doubt you would go wrong with it!
http://quicksilveraudio.com/products/phono-preamp/

one of the top lehmanns is about all one would ever need

or ayre p5xe 

no affiliation, just own em both

If you're patient, keep a look out for a used Herron VTPH-1mm. I've never seen one for sale, and got mine from Keith Herron himself. You could ask him if he has a trade-in available.

The Tron Electric Convergence phono is exceptional and is offered in a MM-only version. Build quality is second to none.

@jperry   Not sure I understand the specs on the Leben.  23.5dB gain? So when used with a SUT it is only useful paired with MM or high-output MC carts?

Leben makes a MM only phono preamp. Most use it with a SUT

https://lebenhifi.com/products/rs30eq.html

IMO the best bang for the buck in an MM-only phono stage is Croft. Glenn offers three tube phono stages. The least expensive model uses SS rectification, the mid tier used a tube rectifier and the most expensive is a 2-box solution w/ segregated power supply. All excellent. I believe the least expensive model lists for right around $1K. Highly recommended.

Look for a used NVO tubed phono yes it has both mm & mc but my understanding is the mc just has more gain. I use their 13 tibed unit in mm and find it sonically just super.

Consider the EAR 834P.  You can get it configured as MM only and it's been around forever.  You could probably pick one up used for cheap and it's quite tubey ;-)