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Phono stage: MM only or MM/MC

Hi all. I have a Rega turntable and a clearaudio moving magnet cartridge.  I plan on using moving magnet always. My question is should I buy a moving magnet only phono stage? I don’t know how much of the cost of a more flexible stage goes to the MC circuitry and flexibility, and I certainly don’t want to pay for features I won’t use.  I am considering MM only stage is from Graham Slee and soundSmith.  The other stage that comes highly recommended is the latest Lehmann black cube SEii, Which features lots of flexibility for a MC cartridge, flexibility which I will probably never use.  I would also welcome any recommendations for phono stage is under $1000. I listen to all kinds of music through Martin Logan summit X speakers powered by Simaudio Moon 700i integrated.

advice please

Thanks

rustler
rustler
analogluvr
859 posts
 
IME I’ve always liked tubes better as they offer better staging and more emotional connection to the music.  Also you get the option to tune the sound by rolling tubes. YMMV. 
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,829 posts
 
The tube Croft RIAA can be had within your budget. I always preferred tube phono preamps!
http://www.croftacoustics.co.uk/main.html
 

RIAA Phono

For those wanting the magic of the Croft sound but not in the market to replace their preamp, the RIAA Phono is available. It uses 3 x 12AX7 tubes, has a frequency response of 20 Hz - 20 kHz +/- 0.5 dB, sensitivity 2 mV for 0.5 V rms o/p. Input Impedance 47 kOhms and power consumption 13 W.


chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
All tubes are colored, it's never ending quest with tube rolling, extra expenses on tubes and the don't last forever, in some cheap phono stages they are evil, in some expensive design they might be good (i can believe). 
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,829 posts
 
Really? You must be kidding!
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
@yogiboy last week i bought Yamamoto A-08s amp., don't know why, i thought i'm quit with tubes, but not yet, i will give this amp a try and it will be a battle between my American First Watt and Japanese Yamamoto. We will see. 

But tubes in phono stages is definitely what i'd like to avoid forever! 
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