The phono stage can handle both MM and MC phono cartridges. A push button on the back of the unit is used to select the mode of operation. Moreover, the Thorens MM 008 has separate connectors for both MM and MC cartridges so no docking is required when switching between the two cartridges. The phono output jacks are a pair of RCA jacks. Another pair of jacks is used to correct phono stage inputs for MC cartridges. The plugs supplied with the kit allow the phono stage input impedance to be varied to suit the cartridge model in question.

The entire Thorens MM 008 circuit is mounted on a single high quality printed circuit board to reduce the length of the signal transfer circuitry. The phono stage uses low-noise operation amplifiers and RIAA correction circuits uses passive components selected for accurate signal processing characteristics.

Thorens MM 008 Phono Preamplifier User's Manual

Specifications

Mode: MM/MC (switchable) 

Gain: at 1 kHz 40 dB (MM)/60 dB (MC)

Input impedance: (MM) 47 kΩ + 220 pF fixed

Input impedance: (MC)  47 kΩ + 1 nF (modifiable with external load plugs)

Frequency Response: (flat) 20 Hz - 20 kHz ±0.3 dB

Frequency Response: (-3 dB) 10 Hz - 50 kHz

RIAA curve Accuracy: ±0.3 dB

THD+N :<0.013% (MM)/<0.055% (MC)

Signal-to-noise ratio: >86 dB (MM)/>72 dB (MC)

Crosstalk :≧40 dB

Input sensitivity (MM): 3.29 mVrms for -10 dBV output (316 mVrms)

Input sensitivity (MC): 0.325 mVrms for -10 dBV output (316 mVrms)

Max. output voltage: 482 mVrms at 5 mVrms input (1 kHz)

Output Impedance: 47 Ω

Input Connections: 3 pairs of RCA sockets (left/right)

Output Connections:  1 pair of RCA sockets (left/right)

Power Supply:  24 V DC

Power Consumption: 3.4 W/15 mA

Weight: 504 g (not including power supply)

Dimensions: (W x H x D) 150 x 50 x 117 mm