3 Top Cartridges Picks

I am waiting for an Allaerts MC1B Mk II, and I am afraid my Audio Note II won't have enough gain for it. Any suggestions for a good stepup device (even a good phono stage that I could run through my aux input)?

The Bent Audio Mu step-up transformers are very good for $750.

The K&K Lundahl step-up trannys are a well-liked at $250.

Throwback
The MC1B Mk II has an output of 0.7mv, which is on the high side for an mc cart. Are you certain the AN II doesn't have enough gain?

CMK,
Sorry, I just saw your post. You're right: .7mv is on the high side, and it may work. I think I'd rather have a little more tube noise than introduce another component and interconnect into the equation if I don't need it.
Do you own the MC1B MkII? How do you like it? I heard it briefly at CES and ordered it based upon forum chatter.

I thought I'll put my 3 cents in:

1)Miyabi cartridges in various disguises ( Cello, "Red Rose" etc), I own one and love it, but lowish output (.2 mV), requires transformer for sure. Fast, clean, detailed, great dynamics/bass, very good tracker at specified pressure (medium to heavy arm required);

2)Koetsu Onyx Sapphire. Classic sound, much more neutral than the rest of Koetsu line. Sapphire version originally built to Krell spec in 80's is also faster and cleaner, but still somewhat too polite and rolled-off at the top;

3)Ikeda cartridges, again in different versions (Cello, Rowland, may be others), if you can optimize one to work. All the problems of Decca on set-up but MC. Will sound great in Ikeda (FR) arms and Dynavectors. Again. lowish output.

Other impressive carts I've had over the years: Goldbug Mr/Mrs Bryer (also version built for McIntosh), Ortofon MC 2000 and SPU, Alpha Genesis 2000, Denon 103 of course, Shelter 901. There are more cartridges than years in life to play with. Keep on tracking, M. S.