Mark I am firm beleiver in the quicksilver transformer~$400.00. IMO anyone using a low output moving coil with tube preamp must have one. Not so sure about solid state.
Insufficient gain in the phono stage should showup as:
having to turn the volume control way higher than usual.
lack of slam
excessive background noise.
By the way $1000.00 should buy you the cartridge of your dreams. Stay away from used, the magnets degrade over time. Some companies offer trade-in value for used cartridges. if you can get one for under fifty dollars it may be worth your while.
Insufficient gain in the phono stage should showup as:
having to turn the volume control way higher than usual.
lack of slam
excessive background noise.
By the way $1000.00 should buy you the cartridge of your dreams. Stay away from used, the magnets degrade over time. Some companies offer trade-in value for used cartridges. if you can get one for under fifty dollars it may be worth your while.