Phono preamps can require turning up the volume (over other sources). You might try making certain that the interconnects and other cables are tidy and "separated from one another" as much as possible in order to reduce the system's noise level and then see how the phono sounds @ higher volume levels. If it sound good, then don't worry about turning the dial a bit more. It is important to keep the phono cables away from power cords and speaker cable and if they do have to cross one another (can't see why they would though) then have them cross @ a right angle. I am assuming though that the G+ is a MM cartridge with fairly strong output. If it is a low output MC cartridge than, yes, you will need a step up device.
