Jmcrogan, I am using the same cartridge as you. And as I stated above, my preamp, a Modwright 36.5, has 12db of gain. The responses above have more or less convinced me to not consider the ARC PH6 or the CJ TEA2SE. I think my focus now will be on the Herron VTPH-2 and the Pass X-15. Both of those should have plenty of gain; in fact I know that Dodgealum used the 36.5/VTPH-2 combo recently with great success.
Phono Preamp Gain Question
I am looking to upgrade my phono preamp as I have just acquired a much better cartridge. The cartridge has an output of .28mv; my tube preamp has gain of 12db. What is the lowest gain that a moving coil stage of a phono preamp should have for me to listen without excessive noise? I listen at realistic levels--medium to loud. I have read that some of the newer phono preamps without transformers--ARC PH6 or CJ TEA2se to name two, will not have enough gain for my application. Thanks in advance for your help.