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Phono preamp with two inputs: two MMs or MM+MC?

These days many phono preamps with one input support both MM and MC. Those with two inputs have one MM and one MC input. It means that those phono preamps have an SUT or some sort of amplification built inside the unit.
Such phono preamps would cost more compared to those that support MM input(s) only.
Is it a trend for phono preamps to have switchable MM/MC input? According to my experience with two turntables or two tonearms (one with MM and one with MC), it is a nuisance to change cables whenever I change from MM to MC or vice vursa.
Also, I have an SUT for MC cartridges and I don't need a direct MC input, so phono preamps with two inputs (MM and MC) are useless for me. I would assume that there are a lot of users with multiple turntables with MC and MM cartridges who prefer SUTs over built in amplification. For those users, isn't it make more sense to make phono preamps with multiple (two or three) MM inputs only?
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dgarretson
2,600 posts
 
"All phono pres with MC input mentioned above do not have gains high enough for sub 0.1mV output MC cartridges"

I use a .05mV Ortofon MC2000 at 76db through Pass XP-25. It's above your stated budget, but works very well without a SUT. I agree that you'll need to keep that SUT if limited to $1500 for a phono stage.
sbrownnw
706 posts
 
Both Jasmine phono preamps have 70db MC which is a little high on my .3 mV AT-33ptg/II. I use some -12db attenuators to bring down the gain since my audio refinement pre5 seems to be very sensitive.
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goldprintaudio
502 posts
 
The Cary PH302 has separate MM/MC inputs. And the Manley Stingray has 2 MC inputs and an MM input (3 total).

****Cary and Manley dealer disclaimer***
bpoletti
1,554 posts
 
The Herron VTPH-2 has enough gain for a 0.1mV cart.
lewm
13,228 posts
 
Just for completeness, I would add that the K&K Maxx'd Out can be configured for MM or MC or both with two pairs of inputs. Price well under $3K. The MC inputs would feed a pair of Lundahl SUTs, I think. I don't own one; nor do I have any affiliation.
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