Thorens MM 008 – Phono Preamp (MM/MC)

The Thorens MM 008 is a compact phono preamp for MM and MC cartridges. It brings your turntable's quiet signal up to line level — the simple answer for amplifiers without a phono input.

Small in size, serious in ambition: separate inputs for MM and MC, clean RIAA equalization and straightforward impedance matching make the MM 008 a flexible companion for entry-level and mid-range systems.

Why the MM 008?

Because it does exactly what it should, without any fuss — while staying flexible. Instead of fiddly DIP switches, you adjust the MC impedance using the included resistor plugs (10, 100, 1000 ohms); combined with the fixed 47 kOhm MM input, that covers virtually every common cartridge. Separate MM and MC sockets let you keep two systems connected in parallel, with no need to swap cables.

What you get

Clean, powerful phono sound from a robust metal housing. Thanks to its compact build, you can place it right next to the turntable and keep cable runs short — which benefits the quietness of the signal.

Who is the MM 008 for?

For anyone looking for a flexible, good-sounding phono stage for MM or MC without jumping straight into high-end territory.

Honestly: if you also want to digitize your records, go for the identical MM 008 ADC with USB instead. As a pure phono stage, the two sound identical.

Our verdict

The MM 008 is an honest, flexible phono stage with sensible impedance matching — a solid start into good vinyl sound. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil, we'll show you the right setting for your cartridge.

Technical Data

• Type: Phono preamp MM/MC (switchable)
• Gain at 1 kHz: 40 dB (MM) / 60 dB (MC)
• Input impedance MM: 47 kOhm + 220 pF (fixed)
• Input impedance MC: 47 kOhm + 1 nF, adjustable via resistor plugs (10, 100, 1000 ohms)
• Input sensitivity MM: 3.29 mV RMS at −10 dBV (316 mV RMS)
• Input sensitivity MC: 0.325 mV RMS at −10 dBV (316 mV RMS)
• Linear frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (±0.3 dB)
• Frequency response −3 dB: 10 Hz – 50 kHz
• RIAA accuracy: ±0.3 dB
• Total harmonic distortion (THD+N): < 0.013% (MM) / < 0.055% (MC)
• Signal-to-noise ratio: > 86 dB (MM) / > 72 dB (MC)
• Crosstalk: ≥ 40 dB
• Max. output voltage: 482 mV RMS at 5 mV RMS input (1 kHz)
• Output impedance: 47 ohms
• Output level: fixed, not adjustable
• Headphone output: not available
• Inputs: 3 RCA pairs (MM, MC, MC load) plus ground terminal
• Outputs: 1 RCA pair
• Operating voltage: 24 V DC (external plug-in power supply)
• Power consumption: 3.4 W / 15 mA
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 150 × 50 × 117 mm
• Weight: 504 g (without power supply)
• Included: phono stage, power supply, MC load adapter (10/100/1000 ohms)

Frequently Asked Questions

Which cartridges is the MM 008 suitable for?

For MM and MC cartridges. MM runs at a fixed 47 kOhm; for MC, you adjust the impedance using the included resistor plugs (10, 100, 1000 ohms). That covers virtually every common cartridge.

Can I connect two cartridges at the same time?

Yes. The MM 008 has separate sockets for MM and MC, so you can keep two systems or two tonearms connected in parallel and switch between them with a button — no cable swapping needed.

What's the difference to the MM 008 ADC?

The MM 008 ADC is identical in design but additionally offers an A/D converter with USB output for digitizing your records. As a pure phono stage, both sound the same; if you don't need USB, the MM 008 is enough.

Why buy the MM 008 at HD Zürisee?

Because the right impedance setting noticeably affects the sound of your cartridge — and we'll help you choose it together. Plus honest advice on your whole system, straight from Wädenswil.

Goes well with

You'll find the right turntable under Turntables, and the matching cartridge among the Cartridges. More phono preamps are shown in the Phono Preamps collection; the full Thorens range is available in the Thorens collection.