The Thorens MM-008 ADC is a compact phono preamplifier that combines versatility and sound quality. Compatible with moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) cartridges, it also features an analog-to-digital converter to digitize your vinyl records. This model stands out for its flexibility of use and meticulous construction, typical of the Swiss brand Thorens.
The MM-008 ADC boasts a brushed aluminum front panel with a minimalist design. Only a blue LED indicates the device’s operating status. This visual discretion is complemented by robust construction, with a casing designed to minimize resonance and interference.
At the rear, there is a comprehensive set of connections: separate RCA inputs for MM and MC cartridges, a grounding terminal, RCA line output, and a USB port for digitization. A switch allows you to toggle between MM and MC modes. The external power supply helps reduce potential interference.
One of the key strengths of the MM-008 ADC is its ability to adapt to a wide range of phono cartridges. For MC cartridges, Thorens provides three pairs of loading plugs (10 Ω, 100 Ω, 1 kΩ) to adjust the input impedance. This flexibility allows you to optimize performance based on the cartridge used.
The high gain in MC mode (60 dB) makes the preamp compatible with most moving coil cartridges, even those with low output levels. In MM mode, the 40 dB gain is suitable for standard moving magnet cartridges.
Users of the MM-008 ADC often highlight its neutral sound profile. The preamp seems to faithfully reproduce the characteristics of the cartridges used, without excessive coloration. The precision of the RIAA curve (±0.3 dB) contributes to balanced reproduction across the entire audible spectrum.
The high signal-to-noise ratio (> 86 dB in MM, > 72 dB in MC) results in a very quiet background, allowing you to fully enjoy the nuances and dynamics of vinyl recordings. The low harmonic distortion (<0.013% in MM, <0.055% in MC) also contributes to the clarity of the sound.
The integration of an analog-to-digital converter is a major asset of the MM-008 ADC. The Tenor TE7022L chip enables digitization up to 24-bit / 96 kHz via the USB output. This feature allows you to create high-quality digital copies of your vinyl records.
It is important to note that the quality of the digitization will also depend on the software used and the settings chosen. Thorens does not provide dedicated software, but the preamp is compatible with most audio recording applications on Windows and Mac OS.
The Tenor TE7022L converter offers a resolution of up to 24-bit / 96 kHz, which is more than sufficient to capture all the details of a vinyl record. The final quality will also depend on the recording software and settings used.
Yes, the preamp works perfectly in analog mode without being connected to a computer. The USB output is only necessary for digitization.
Thorens does not provide dedicated software. Free applications like Audacity or professional software like Adobe Audition can be used. The important thing is to choose software capable of recording in high resolution (24-bit / 96 kHz).
Jean Michel
Very good phono preamp paired with a rega planar 3 rs, all of it works with a feezaudio titania tube amp and bw 702 s2 speakers .. simply magnificent 👌
Comment from April 17, 2026 — Experience from March 07, 2026
