I don't believe the issue is gain, but rather overload. The 1.5mV cart would probably overdrive the inputs (or second stage) when set to high gain. If opamp-based circuit, will likely be hard clipping, which is pretty easy to hear. Once signal is past EQ then you can add more gain without saturation.
The Hagerman Bugle can handle the 2.5mV at 50dB, but not at 60dB. It's best to run minimum gain for maximum headroom. Also true with linestages; attenuators sound best when not used.
jh
The Hagerman Bugle can handle the 2.5mV at 50dB, but not at 60dB. It's best to run minimum gain for maximum headroom. Also true with linestages; attenuators sound best when not used.
jh