Would changing to a MC solve my problem?

@traudio : Ok, then digital is ok so the problem is with analog and that could beaproblem in the V10 or in the H390 running analog.

Why insist I in the overall issue? because those 46dbs of gain ( repeat ) is totally enough for any integrated to achieve over 95dbs on SPL no matters what.

The designer of your  cartridge spec said:

" suggested preamp gain: 38-44db "

and you have 46db. 

With all respect looking for more gain makes no sense at all. Again, something is wrong down there. Maybe the loadimpedance or in the MM stage circuitor something around it.

You can ask directly to Hegel/Soundsmith.

Anyway, your " call ". I'm trying only to help you.

Maybe some one in this forum can help about with out need you buy a new cartridge.If I was you I ask and explain all to Hegel and if for them what you are experienced is ok then buy the MC cartridge.

R.

What linestage are you using, and how much gain does it add to the signal driving the amplifier? If you’re using an integrated, the linestage section of many integrated amplifiers does not add gain. 400mV from your phono without linestage gain may not be sufficient to drive the amplifier section to full output needed to drive Maggie’s. Whereas the cdp makes 2V, more than enough to drive any typical amp to full output. So Raul is correct in that case.

Guys, I had this issue with the Hegel and now with a Cary SLI-80.
I know it’s the phono stage since that’s the change I made on the analog. The former stage had enough gain, this one doesn’t. That’s all.

My question was if switching to to a MC cart will give me more flexibility with the gain?

Noromance’s link answered my question.

You could as well conclude that your MM cartridge is at fault, because 46db gain in an MM phono stage is typically more than adequate. On the other hand, 2.4 mV output from your MM is low . Most MMs make 4-5mV output. All of this suggests to me that you’re not getting much if any gain from your linestage, and that’s why digital is fine but analog is weak.

@traudio : In the mean time to decide what to do you can test the Goldring 1042 that’s not so expensive and that has higher output level ( 6.5mv ) and is a better performer that what you can think for its low price tag: the 1042 stylus is similar to the one in the over 10K Ortofon MC Diamond or the Verissimo models ( Replicant 100. )

Btw, the gentlemans that try to help you are at " blind " because you do not disclosed your system items yet.

MC gives you not more flexibility. What can help you ( not the MC. ) is to match your system items to your MUSIC/Sound targets and then choose the items that could match it and could match it electrically in between.

R.