Volume levels

Typically, digital sources have higher output gain than that of a TT/phonostage. So when wired to a preamp, the TT’s lower gain means you need to turn the volume control higher than digital sources.

Not if you can balance levels. I can do it in my phono pre AND my main preamp. Start there before making observations or pundits.

Seven carts from .26 to 4.5 mV all match my DAC’s output.

The dynamic range on vinyl is definitely better than streaming services. Of course McGowan ignores that while trying to sell a "streaming only" network player.

@cleeds Thank you for correcting the false information. There is a lot out there. E.g., Paul McGowan: "Live music typically has a dynamic range of 120 dB, peaking at about the same loudness of a jet engine (though some concerts have gone even louder). Vinyl records tend to have about 70 dB of dynamic range (16 bit CD's have close to 100dB). This means that in order to fit a song onto a record, you either need to reduce its overall amplitude or compress it (have its peaks brought down to a lower level) to fit within the given range. How much of each was done varied from record to record and defined the art of mastering. But here's the point: mastering vinyl requires compression to fit onto the space."
https://www.psaudio.com/blogs/pauls-posts/when-less-is-more-2

So, thanks again for the correction. If was up to the SVS website and Paul McGowan, I would continue to think that the LP medium has a more restricted dynamic range compared to digital media!

A cursory glance at analogplanet’s .pdf seems to ignore surface noise. What are the best examples (stats) of this floor per dollar spent for repro (TT +) equipment?

25+ years makes it somewhat irrelevant as far as format comparisons.

Though I listen at louder levels - the few times I’ve found vinyl sounding dull and lacking punch, it could usually be blamed on phono stage and (in particular) its match to your chosen cartridge.

If you’re running an MC cartridge into a budget phono stage, that can sometimes cause this problem. If your signal level hitting the MM stage (after MC stage gain) is too low, it can cause this problem, even if you try to compensate for this downstream (e.g. raising line stage volume). Switching in a good SUT or head-amp (Hagerman Piccolo, even on a budget) can often resolve these issues.

When you have good analog gear that works well together, you will find no need to get into the philosophy of dynamic range and mastering science - it will just sound good. OP - what’s your phono stage and cartridge?