Best Phono stage for a .3 mv Ruby 2 ?

John,
I have a Ruby2 as well. I thought about using a PH-3 but I do believe 54db of gain is too low. I know of one reviewer in Listener who said it was a good match with the Linn Klyde.
I had a Klyde for a long time and it's about .25 mV, even lower than the Ruby2. A local dealer who carried Audio Research and Linn told me 54db gain was not enough for the Klyde. So my guess is it's not enough for the Ruby2.
I find the Ruby2 needs 60db gain or more for best performance. As far as loading goes, it's a toss up. I'd start at 500 ohms and move up. If your system can tollerate a bit brighter sound go higher in value. My Naim 52 uses 540 ohms and is a good match. I recently had a trial of a PP1/T-9 and it has 22k worth of loading. I did not feel the increased loading brightened the sound more than the Naim. But it did give better bass and a much fuller bigger overall sound. My biggest difference was seen in the two cables I was trying, the Harmonic Technologies Silver and the new Graham cable (50 or 70 ?). I liked the PP1 but want to try some diferent models, ie., the EAR 834P. I heard one once on a Orbe/Graham set up and fell in love with it for classical ensamble recordings. Anyone heard them both?
I would like to see the PH-3 with a 60-62 db gain.
GerardFF

Well All,
I finally settled it with a pass labs ono. I have it set to 47KOhms loading, I'm using maximum 76 db gain to the balanced outputs into my pass labs X1 and seeing superb results. Since it's so low, I didn't even try to set up the ph-3. The ph-3 is still set up ideally for my rega 25 and I didnt' want to change that. Gotta admit these low output cartridges are something special.

I'm seeing such great results I'm not going to change a thing.

I use the Thor TA-3000 phonostage with my Ruby 2 all the gain in the world and then more. The sound is just magical. Best phonostage I have ever heard and it is up there with the best ,in a class well deserved.