Volume levels

My experience is the opposite. I actually have the volume of the phono stage input on my amp offset -3dB to balance the volume a bit when switching to/from my DAC. 

So I'd say it's mostly system depend as @mulveling alluded to, but it also depends on the recording.

hilde45

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 ... 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!

You conflate potential dynamic range with the actual dynamic range of commercially released media. That’s why I provided you with a link to the dynamic range database, which clearly shows that in real life, LPs tend to have greater DR than their digital counterpoints. That’s all part of the Loundess Wars, @hilde45, and it explains in part how an LP can sound so much better than a CD.

@hilde45 

 Phono stage Sutherland 20/20

Cartridge Clearaudio Virtuoso, soon to be Maestro

Gain only variable by 6dB.

Phono stage Sutherland 20/20

Cartridge Clearaudio Virtuoso, soon to be Maestro

If you're at the 40dB gain setting, try 46dB.