Stupid phono pre-amp question

[aarsoe]

I know there is no such thing as a stupid question, but this is more in the "I am a bit to lazy to try out all the variables" category of questions.

Have only been back into vinyl for a relatively short amount of time and although I was rather serious when I dropped out of the game a lot of my basic knowledge is a bit rusty.

So the question I want to ask is which one of the following phono preamp combinations would you suggest that I continue with down the road.
I own all of them, as I simply have a hard time passing a good deal when I see it. However the issue is that there are so many variables so what I am hearing may be lack of adjustment of component mismatch etc.

Anyway here is what I have:

Currently using a Heed Quasar and I am very happy about it. I did however come across a Rotel Michi RHQ-10 phono preamp that can run as either MM or MC and remembering how people praised it in the old days I simply bought it..

So first question is how good is the Michi compared with today's phono preamps? Is it a better MM or MC preamp? And what would be the current price range for something of the same level?
Reason I ask is that also have another icon, namely the Gryphon headamp that is a pure MC step-up. So question is if I should use the Michi as MM preamp and then the Gryphon as MC step-up or if I should be continuing my search for a Gryphon phono preamp. Only issue is that they are rare and their owners don't normally tend to want to separate from them..
The idea is to run with two LP players and keep the Heed for sure, but are the others worth my time - or should I aim for something higher?

Would most likely be using this together with an Orthofon Jubilee that I have my eye on..

[Removed]

Your Jubilee deserves a better phono stage IMO....as always YMMV

[aarsoe]

OK - but how high up before I get something worthwhile for the Jubilee?

[Removed]

Originally Posted by aarsoe

OK - but how high up before I get something worthwhile for the Jubilee?

For starters I would look for something that has some flexibility loading and gain wise.....your Jubilee has a fairly low internal impedance of 5 ohms so if you follow the 10 X rule then you would be looking for a phono stage with some what low loading options.....Some use the 10 X rule, some 20 X and so on.....me I use the 10 X rule as only a starting point and proceed to vary up and down from there as I find loading a cartridge with brand Y varies from brand Z.....Now as to how high you need to move up the food chain is difficult to answer, some will be happy with an entry level unit and some will not.....the better phono stages in most cases use much better parts, have many more loading and gain options and just flat out sound better.....if I were to put a price then I would be looking at something in the $2000 and up range.....Perhaps visiting your local dealer and listening to a few will help guide you better.....BTW the Heed is a nice phono stage.

[aarsoe]

I love the Heed Quasar and have in fact been thinking about getting one more - so maybe that is the route to take. Will see..