Thorens MM 008 ADC – Phono Preamp with USB

The Thorens MM 008 ADC is a phono preamp for MM and MC cartridges with a built-in analog-to-digital converter — it amplifies your records and, if you like, digitizes them via USB at the same time. The practical solution for listening to vinyl and archiving it simultaneously.

Many modern amplifiers no longer have a phono input. The MM 008 ADC closes that gap — and goes a step further by turning your treasures into high-resolution files as well.

Why the MM 008 ADC?

Because it combines two things in one small, robust metal housing. As a phono stage, it handles MM and MC cartridges with precise RIAA equalization; separate inputs for MM and MC save you from swapping cables. As a digitizer, a 24-bit delta-sigma converter (Tenor TE7022L) converts the signal and outputs it to your computer via USB 2.0 — recordings up to 24-bit / 96 kHz are possible, for example as FLAC. You adjust the MC impedance to match your cartridge using the included resistor plugs (10, 100, 1000 ohms).

What you get

Clean, unfussy phono sound with plenty of punch — plus the freedom to get a favorite record onto your computer in just a few minutes. Thanks to its compact build, you can place it right next to the turntable and keep cable runs short.

Who is the MM 008 ADC for?

For anyone looking for a flexible entry- to mid-range phono stage who also wants to digitize their collection — for on the go, for backups, or for rare pressings.

Honestly: if you never want to digitize, the identical MM 008 without ADC saves you a few francs. But if you ever need the feature, you'll be glad to have it on board. And yes: the system list in the Thorens datasheet still mentions Windows XP through 8 — it dates back to the product launch and is long outdated. What that means for your current computer is explained further down in the FAQ.

Our verdict

The MM 008 ADC is a clever dual-purpose component: a good phono stage for MM and MC plus USB digitization. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil, we'll show you the right impedance setting and the recording software.

Technical Data

• Type: Phono preamp MM/MC (switchable) with built-in A/D converter
• 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
• A/D converter: Tenor TE7022L, 24-bit delta-sigma
• Sample rates: 8 / 16 / 32 / 44.1 / 48 / 96 kHz
• USB output: USB 2.0, backward-compatible with USB 1.1
• Supported systems (manufacturer's spec): Windows 8 / 7 / Vista / XP and Mac OS — as of product launch, see FAQ
• Inputs: 3 RCA pairs (MM, MC, MC load) plus ground terminal
• Outputs: 1 analog RCA pair, 1 × USB
• Operating voltage: 24 V DC (external plug-in power supply)
• Power consumption: 3.5 W / 15 mA
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 150 × 50 × 117 mm
• Weight: 511 g (without power supply)
• Included: phono stage, power supply, MC load adapter (10/100/1000 ohms), USB cable

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I digitize my records with the MM 008 ADC?

You connect the USB output to your computer and record using recording software. For full quality, Thorens recommends a program that supports 24-bit / 96 kHz and lossless formats like FLAC. Free software such as Audacity also works.

Does the MM 008 ADC work with a current Windows or Mac computer?

Thorens's datasheet lists Windows 8, 7, Vista and XP as well as Mac OS — that list dates back to the product launch and is outdated. The USB section works as a USB Audio Class device and therefore usually needs no driver. That's not a guarantee for your particular system, though: just ask us and we'll sort it out with you.

What's the difference to the MM 008 without ADC?

The MM 008 ADC is identical in design but additionally has the A/D converter and the USB output for digitizing. As a pure phono stage, both sound identical. If you don't need the digital function, the cheaper MM 008 is enough.

Which cartridges is the MM 008 ADC 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.

Why buy the MM 008 ADC at HD Zürisee?

Because we'll show you the right impedance for your cartridge and help with your digitizing setup — from the software to the cabling. Personal advice and an experienced team, 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.