It seems to me that your phono pre is not on the same level with everything else in your phono chain.
Analog Upgrade - Where to start?
I am looking to upgrade my LP playback system. My current system is a mixed bag of new and old: SME 20/2 turntable (from about 2005), Kuzma 4 point nine Tonearm and the SME Series V Tonearm, Dynavector MC DRT XV-1s (retipped by Soundsmith), PS Audio Stellar phono pre. I am looking to introduce more dynamic sound, detail (without edge) and musicality. The rest of my system supports this end. Any suggestions on where might be the best place to start the upgrade?