I,m almost sure that ARC has a mod to have higher gain on your ph3. try giving a call to ARC.
BTW i have used the ph3 with my .45mv ortofon kontrapunkt A and yes of course cd is higher on the preamp but i woldn,t call it "sub-optimal".
I would try having my ph3 modded for higher gain rather than using and buying a step-up transf.
good luck
BTW i have used the ph3 with my .45mv ortofon kontrapunkt A and yes of course cd is higher on the preamp but i woldn,t call it "sub-optimal".
I would try having my ph3 modded for higher gain rather than using and buying a step-up transf.
good luck