Is a preamp needed for a pioneer sx1280 to use mc phono cartridges?
Yes, You will need an MC preamp, which you then would connect to a line input, like AUX rather then the phono input. Alternatively you could use an MC matching transformer, and that you would connect to the phono RIAA input.
Now, the output of MC cartridges are all over the map, and many preamps are not sensitive enough for lower output MC cartridges. So you need to know the output of your MC cartridge in mv and make sure the preamp you purchase has enough gain to get enough voltage to your Aux input.
