I had the 20XH and 20XL and I tried them both with the whest 2.0 phono stage. It offers MM and MC at I believe 70DB gain. With either the L or H version I preferred the MC input. It has always sounded weak and light with the MM input. So I don't know if it's my phono stage that is the culprit or the 20XH would like to see more than 40DB gain I can't say but in any cart situation I've been in I like more gain than less. I really don't like putting my volume knob at 3pm on the dial if possible