Phono Stage Amp

The MF M1 phono stage has an MC-mode gain of only 56 dB (you calculate that out from its listed 500 uV input to 300 mV output). That’s pretty low. I wouldn’t be comfortable using that with any cartridge below say 0.6 mV. If @rodman99999 is right and OP’s cart is the Goldring Legacy at 0.25mV, this is indeed a significant mismatch. The dealer shouldn’t have let this combo leave his shop. You HAVE TO match cartridge to phono stage gain, or all kinds of nasty problems can arise. For 0.25 mV I’d want at least 66 dB, likely more (72dB is good). Running 10dB below this range is asking for a bad time, and explains OP’s volume issue.

OP can also try a SUT of 20X - 30X in combination with his current phono stage in MM mode (NOT MC mode), and that should resolve the issue.

@cinqcepages

What is the output of the E.A.T E-Glo Petit?

E-Glo max gain is 70 dB. For your 0.25mV Goldring, that gives an output of about 0.8 Volts (790 milliVolts). On paper, it’s a good choice. Your current M1 yields only 0.15 Volts (149 mV) for that same cartridge. It will be a massive difference. Your M1 phono stage’s MC mode is certainly targeted at medium output MC cartridges, not low outputs like 0.25mV.

Alternatively a Bob’s Devices Sky 30 SUT would add ~ 29dB (maybe a little less due to loading losses) to your M1’s 40 dB / 47K MM mode, and nets close to the same result as the E-Glo’s highest 70dB gain. But even 40dB is on the low side for an MM stage. Musical Fidelity isn't very generous with their dB's!

Others are very correct to point out the mismatch between amp & speakers, and potential TT isolation issues. However your current phono stage / cartridge match is DEFINITELY a problem; it’s just that you may be dealing with multiple issues here. I’d fix the phono stage first, since as you mentioned the system works well with digital sources (usually at least 2 Volts output).

The root problem is WHY crank the volume up just past half way and there tends to be distortion.

If the M1 can’t provide enough voltage to feed the downstream components, then the preamp volume control should be able to turn all the way to max to add gain. It may increase noise level but not distortion.

In theory that’s fine, but especially with TT gear involved, my experience is that if you don’t keep the signal in a "sweet spot" range at EVERY stage, bad things happen - and at best, suboptimal sound is the result. OP needs to fix the phono stage mismatch either way.

If OP gets a better phono stage and the distortion still remains at higher listening levels, then other potential culprits like feedback (solutions: better isolation, or simply moving the table, maybe a subsonic rumble filter...) should be examined in further detail. One problem at a time...

MC input Frequency response RIAA/IEC ±0.2dB Input sensitivity 300µV in for 300mV out (at 1 kHz) Input impedance 47KΩ THD at 1 kHz 88dB “A”-wtd. Line level outputs 1 pair RCA (phono) left and right 300mV rms nominal

No dip switches.

Are you suggesting Bob’s Sky 30 SUT? I looked it up and am reviewing it. It seems very reasonable and affordable. My MF is 10+ years old.

Ah, that indeed appears to be a different version than the "M1VINL" we were looking up. This one’s spec’d 300uV to 300mV is better (60dB versus 56dB), but still too low for that cartridge IMO.

I have a couple of the Bob’s Devices Sky units, along with many other SUTs too. I almost always prefer a good SUT to an active MC stage, sometimes significantly so. The Sky is a good one, reasonably priced. There are better, but they cost more. Yes, I recommend them with a few caveats:

1. You must carefully match the SUT ratio to your cartridge. 20 - 30 is good for a 0.25mV cartridge. 30 in this case if you keep the M1, because it could use the extra gain.
2. You must use a low-capacitance, short (less than 1m) cable run from the SUT to your MM phono stage (set to 47K load). Bob sells a good 0.8m one for $400.
3. Always run a SUT into an MM stage (or MM mode). NOT into MC!

@mulveling For now, One more question; or asking for verification:

TT -> SUT -> MF M1 (MF M1 input from SUT is MM not MC) then lastly, Care in choosing RCA.

Ground from TT to SUT and, if necessary, ground also from SUT to MF M1

Am I understanding?

Yes! Perfect. Usually the SUT should become the grounding point from your turntable. Usually you don't need or want an additional ground run from SUT to Phono Stage. Just use short, shielded, low capacitance cables from the SUT and follow the arrows (shield terminated on the SUT side).

And If I add a higher output Cartridge it would be a bit better as well.

Higher output is easier to work with in general (0.25mV is always at least a bit tricky), but you would not want to use it with a 30x SUT, or maybe even a SUT at all. Depending on its output level it may be fine with the M1's MC mode. In my experience, cartridges of 0.5mV - 0.8mV work well with a 60 dB phono stage. But a 15x SUT will work nicely with those 0.5 - 0.8mV cartridges too, and you can order the Bob's Sky 30x / 15x switchable :)  

Thank you for your help. The more I think about it - this has to be it. I do get great volume from the CD and DAC for rock music. No distortion. Even the loud mayhem type rock like metal. Sometimes I just like to hear the JAZZ a litter louder than it lets me.  

I absolutely love playing heavy metal, loud, on my Tannoy speakers or Stax headphones :)