Generally MMs are considered about 5-7mV. The 20XH is about half the output of a 'normal' MM with just 2.8mV
A good example is the Goldring 1042 at 6.5mV.
My son uses the 20XH into a Whest Audio whestTWO phonostage and produces a far better sound than the setup going into an MM stage. He tried the Graham Slee Amp 2SE which the dealer recommended and although good, the extra gain which the 20XH needs (12-14dB) means you are not cranking up the volume on the amplifier. Someone on Audiogon recommended the whestTWO so we gave that a try. It is FAR better.
The 20XH like many high output MCs needs about 53dB to work properly. Also, if you want to transfer to your computer the extra gain is required for lower noise.
Personally I would go for the whestTWO and this from experience as a starting block for the VPI Classic/ 20XH combination as it far outperforms any MM stage and can be switched to match the 20XH.
A good example is the Goldring 1042 at 6.5mV.
My son uses the 20XH into a Whest Audio whestTWO phonostage and produces a far better sound than the setup going into an MM stage. He tried the Graham Slee Amp 2SE which the dealer recommended and although good, the extra gain which the 20XH needs (12-14dB) means you are not cranking up the volume on the amplifier. Someone on Audiogon recommended the whestTWO so we gave that a try. It is FAR better.
The 20XH like many high output MCs needs about 53dB to work properly. Also, if you want to transfer to your computer the extra gain is required for lower noise.
Personally I would go for the whestTWO and this from experience as a starting block for the VPI Classic/ 20XH combination as it far outperforms any MM stage and can be switched to match the 20XH.