I guess I will be the odd man out. In MY system, 69.5db is marginal for that low of an output cartridge. However, I am pushing my amp pretty hard when I listen at loud volumes, and doing so requires high volume control settings. With 73db of phono gain I am happy using an ART1000 with 0.2db output.
So, to me it is system and usage dependent.
Bill
So, to me it is system and usage dependent.
Bill