Mc cartridge and phono amp

If 64 dB is the actual gain for this phono pre for MC then all is well. Thanks for the update and correction!

40 dB of gain is simply not enough for a low output MC; you need at least 56 dB for a 0.5 mV cart. Can you not increase the gain on this, especially at this price point I don't see how you can be competitive, no matter how good it sounds. I was taking a good look at this phono pre and then the gain was a "show stopper" for me.

OK, from experience here's what you might want to consider for a $1000 budget. I have auditioned at home or owned these carts and phono pres that I think will work with you RPM 5.1.

Carts:
Grado Platinum Statement $350: MM, actually moving iron, I had one for several years and this was my first high end cart, great tracker.
Sumiko Blue Point No 2 $399: MC but a great tracker and one of the best for entry into MC and this would work well with your Project table.

Phono Stages:
Musical Fidelity V-LPS MKII $189 for either MM/MI or MC. I demoed one of these not too long ago and it was sweet and balanced, a great bargain.
Cambridge Audio Azur 651P Phono Preamp $229 for either MM or MC. Great budget pre amp.

The above combos for well under $1000 new and will match the performance of your table and arm.

Unless you are planning to eventually upgrade your table as well, my recommendations still stand as I believe they are balanced relative to the quality of your turntable. Use the extra money on VINYL!!!

And HW-16.5 is a no brainer, you gotta have one!

The Ortofon would work, good cart.

Or get a tried and true Shure M97XE for $89.99; a solid performer, exceptional tracker, lauded the world over, and be done with it.