Would changing to a MC solve my problem?

lewm

All equipment concerned has been mentioned. I think you aren’t paying attention and/ or you aren’t familiar with the 2 integrated amps I’ve mentioned.

^^^^^^^^^ LOOK UP!^^^^^^^

Again: The former phono stage was a Musical Surroundings Phonomena, and now the Hegel V-10. I had this same issue with both the Hegel H390 and now with a Cary SLI-80HS.

The H390 specifications do not give the amplifier’s input sensitivity nor does it give the line stage gain figure (most likely just attenuation with no gain).  I would email Hegel to get the amp’s input sensitivity in order to gain match the source components.  On the surface, it sound like your cartridge output plus phono stage gain is not producing the appropriate voltage to drive your amp to full power.  

The H390 specifications do not give the amplifier’s input sensitivity nor does it give the line stage gain figure (most likely just attenuation with no gain).  I would email Hegel to get the amp’s input sensitivity in order to gain match the source components.  On the surface, it sound like your cartridge output plus phono stage gain is not producing the appropriate voltage to drive your amp to full power.  

I agree