What separate tube phono stage do you use ?

I would think that 55db gain is way too high for most or all MM and MI cartridges. Usually it’s around 40db ? But maybe Ralph’s preamps can be customized to change the gain.

The phono section has an unusually high overload margin so you can run a MM direct, but we also offer a jumper plug that replaces a tube in the phono section; this knocks the gain down to a more manageable level for high output cartridges.

MP3 preamp into Gryphon Diablo integrated. Diablo has passive preamp. Why would I want it ? Well, if I decided to have, temporarily or permanently, solid state power amp my choice would be Gryphon, but I wouldn't be able to afford Gryphon power amp even used. So basically I would want just the power amp section of the Diablo, or older Callisto and Atilla. I took a look, Gryphon's input impedance is 10 kohm RCA and 40 kohm XLR.

FWIW the MP-3 has no worries driving a 10K input impedance. The output can also be configured to drive single-ended.

Ralph, thank you, you've been most helpful. No need to use single ended with Gryphon. I bet, this would an excellent match.

New Audio Frontiers Stradivari phono stage from Italy, via High Water Sound. Good enough for Jeffrey Catalano, certainly good enough for me. 

Allnic H3000 with Mullard rectifier tube, surprising what a difference it makes.  ARC ph5, always musical.

BAT VK P 10 SE with Supercaps. Digs deep, muscular. 80 db for LOMC. 
Just curious, anyone on here switch from one of these to a better? If so, how so?