If you're using a cartridge that produces 1mv output, 65dB of gain sounds to me to be about 10dB too high. At 65dB I would imagine that you aren't able to turn the volume very high on your pre-amp. I have a Bryston BP-20 preamplifier, which has an input sensitivity of 0.5v. I have a Lyra Delos cartridge, which outputs 0.6mv, so I use a gain setting of 60dB to send a 0.6v input to the pre-amplifier.
Vinyl Front End Upgrade
I've been sitting on the sidelines without vinyl playback for far too long and am looking to get back in the game. I've got a VPI Scout/JMW 9/Dynavector 20XM (1mv version). I've got no phonostage since I sold my ARC SP16 and bought an LS26. The rest of the system is an ARC SD135 driving Daedalus Audio DA-1.1's through Empirical Design cables. I've spent the last few months listening to digital source material through my Esoteric X-03SE, saving my pennies toward a vinyl upgrade. My plan is to keep the Scout and work on a cartridge and phonostage pairing that will give me vinyl playback as good or better than what I'm getting on the digital side. I've got $3K to spend on new or used components. I'd appreciate some suggestions.