PASS and ZYX

here is barely enough gain without the PH3 yet using it tends to overdrive the phono section.

I don't understand. The PH3SE is a phono stage, no? W/o it, what are you using for RIAA equalization and boosting the signal to line stage input voltage? Maybe I am missing something here, but....

I'm sorry... I wasn't clear. I was using the high output Glider with the phono section of my Audible Illusions preamp. That setup did not provide enough gain. I then purchased the ARC PH3SE thinking I could use it and bypass the phono section of the Audible Illusions. Now The Glider with the PH3 has TOO much gain so I need to either: get a medium output cartridge to use with the PH3 (since it has a fixed 54db of gain) or get a low output cartridge, like the ZYX, and then a phono stage that has more gain, like the PASS.

I am leaning toward upgrading both items and then selling the PH3SE, which apparently is a "tweener" for my setup. Thanks for your help.

I would also consider the arm/cartridge pairing as you go down this path. Ask someone like DougDeacon about ZYX cartridges. He seems to have a lot of experience.

Whatever phono stage you get next, make sure it has the ability to change gain settings at the very least. Most offer changes in gain and loading, some even offer the ability to change capacitance. Having a flexible phono stage makes analog a lot easier and more fun. Flexibility is the key.

The Pass Xono is extremely flexible and a great value used for about $2K. The XP-15 is supposedly better, though I have not heard one yet.