You have a number of wise responses here. My question is about the sound at the high end of your volume control.
1) Does being so high on the attenuator create any sonic drawbacks? Added noise, feel like the system is running out of steam, straining too much?
2) Do you ever want to crank the volume beyond the highest setting you have available?
If the answer to these questions is "no" in both cases, then get that cartridge looked at and fixed or grab another .24 mV ZYX.
If the answer to either of the above questions is yes, then I personally would try to address the gain issue somehow other than by getting the HO cart. Do you use an SUT? You could get one that gives more boost to the voltage. Otherwise, I'd think about adding gain either in the phono stage, preamp or power amp.
1) Does being so high on the attenuator create any sonic drawbacks? Added noise, feel like the system is running out of steam, straining too much?
2) Do you ever want to crank the volume beyond the highest setting you have available?
If the answer to these questions is "no" in both cases, then get that cartridge looked at and fixed or grab another .24 mV ZYX.
If the answer to either of the above questions is yes, then I personally would try to address the gain issue somehow other than by getting the HO cart. Do you use an SUT? You could get one that gives more boost to the voltage. Otherwise, I'd think about adding gain either in the phono stage, preamp or power amp.