Dear @famoej: If I was you and before on a different phono stage or an integrated one what I will try is a today MM cartridge model.
In that option the cartridge signal has not to pass through the Emotiva circuits ( that are pretty decent ones. ) and the additional interconect cables and cables connectors but only the Marantz in direct mode that too has a decent MM phono stage. Digital volume?, is no problem those Marantz DACs has one of the latest digital technology ( 32/192 ) and I'm sure no one can identify if that volume/attenuator is digital or analog.
There are MM cartridges that outperforms the 103R that's not a great MC cartridge.
Till I listen/test it the MM alternative I don't take other option.
You said that your vinyl collection is growing up. Well if that collection is in the thousands numbers and the time you are using, in specific to the analog two channels, is over 70% then I could think to move to an Emotiva own integrated preamp and listen it with the MM cartridge and I I want to stay with the LOMC alternative so you can go in this " road " with a better LOMC cartridge.
Never is easy to give and advise because it's only you who have perfectly defined your overall priorities.
Anyway, that's my opinion.
Regards and enjoy the music,
R.
In that option the cartridge signal has not to pass through the Emotiva circuits ( that are pretty decent ones. ) and the additional interconect cables and cables connectors but only the Marantz in direct mode that too has a decent MM phono stage. Digital volume?, is no problem those Marantz DACs has one of the latest digital technology ( 32/192 ) and I'm sure no one can identify if that volume/attenuator is digital or analog.
There are MM cartridges that outperforms the 103R that's not a great MC cartridge.
Till I listen/test it the MM alternative I don't take other option.
You said that your vinyl collection is growing up. Well if that collection is in the thousands numbers and the time you are using, in specific to the analog two channels, is over 70% then I could think to move to an Emotiva own integrated preamp and listen it with the MM cartridge and I I want to stay with the LOMC alternative so you can go in this " road " with a better LOMC cartridge.
Never is easy to give and advise because it's only you who have perfectly defined your overall priorities.
Anyway, that's my opinion.
Regards and enjoy the music,
R.