High level MC or step up?

My vote is for a good SUT. Stay away from cheap ones else you'd be better with a good active stage.

Or you could go with a high quality head-amp.

OK, so far the consensus is to stay away from high-level MC. Care to elaborate a bit more for the inquiring (and not-so-technical) mind? I was under the impression the SUP requires greater knowledge in matching the electronic characteristics of the cartridge and the SUT? Would a Graham Amp 3 be a competent unit -- it definitely falls within my budget. Thanks

I'd go with a step up tranny - get a quality one, like the AudioNote AN-S2. Used ones have turned up here on A'gon from time to time.

I would skip both and buy the Soundsmith Strain Gauge system. It does away with the RIAA compensation and need for step-ups. It blows the doors off any moving coil cartridge I have heard, which include the best. I have the first production unit and have been listening in disbelief for the past 5 weeks.