Yes lots of confusion!!
So just for my own clarity:
MM cartridge - goes into MM phonostage with typically 40db gain
MC cartridge - goes into MC phonostage with typically 60-70db gain
But there are devices that give that 20db boost (and sometimes other adjustments) that "convert" your MM phonostage to MC. These are step up devices of one kind or another - they are already built into MC phonostages. Most common are step up transformers, usually 6x to 10x gain. BUT there was a fashion for solid state circuits that did the same thing - often referred to as a head amp, or MC pre pre. The classic circuit is the "Le Pacific MC pre pre", and this has been adapted by a few and was offered as a kit by Boozehound up til a few years ago. The attraction was that they allowed you to use your existing MM phonostage with a MC cart.
I'm probably only clouding the discussion on this, which I don't think is that the OP was talking about anyway. Ignore and carry on!!
So just for my own clarity:
MM cartridge - goes into MM phonostage with typically 40db gain
MC cartridge - goes into MC phonostage with typically 60-70db gain
But there are devices that give that 20db boost (and sometimes other adjustments) that "convert" your MM phonostage to MC. These are step up devices of one kind or another - they are already built into MC phonostages. Most common are step up transformers, usually 6x to 10x gain. BUT there was a fashion for solid state circuits that did the same thing - often referred to as a head amp, or MC pre pre. The classic circuit is the "Le Pacific MC pre pre", and this has been adapted by a few and was offered as a kit by Boozehound up til a few years ago. The attraction was that they allowed you to use your existing MM phonostage with a MC cart.
I'm probably only clouding the discussion on this, which I don't think is that the OP was talking about anyway. Ignore and carry on!!