Phono Stage Gain - how does it impact sound?

I used Sonic Frontiers Phono 1 as my main stage for a while. Sweet sound, spec'd at 64dB but apparently measures around 60dB. There was a very clear line where cartridges ~ 0.45 - 0.5mV would sing with that stage. - full dynamics, good bass, balanced, sweet. Cartridges below that level would sound a bit lean, lacking dynamics, and slightly anemic in bass. Very unengaging. Those same cartridges did fantastic on other phono stages with more gain.

Of course I had plenty of preamp gain to compensate - it didn't help. You need to get the cartridge to phono stage match right first.

Maybe the 30W Pass amplifier is a little stressed driving 87db speakers. That’s where I’d look. You should be delivering more than adequate voltage to the amplifier. But again, I’d give the cartridge time to break in for best bass.

+1, @lewm and @rdk777

@audphile1 Allow Hana ML more break-in time, it’s one of the finest cart I’ve heard under $2K. Once you’re settled with cart, audition a REL sub in your system. They offer 60 days money back guarantee along with free shipping (both ways). Once you hear a REL, chances are you won’t be able to live without It, they are designed for 2 ch audio with their proprietary high level input connection.

@chayro I see. Ok. 

My phono pre has 70db gain for MC. It is sublime.