I agree that a phono gain of 56 to 65 or so should be just fine. My setup is pretty similar to yours in terms of gain. My MCs range from .25 to .35mv and my line stage has 15db gain. My power amps span low to high sensitivity, and my speakers range from 90 to 97db. I find a total phono gain (including MC step up) of mid-50's to mid-60's to be just right.
Phono Preamp Gain Question
I am looking to upgrade my phono preamp as I have just acquired a much better cartridge. The cartridge has an output of .28mv; my tube preamp has gain of 12db. What is the lowest gain that a moving coil stage of a phono preamp should have for me to listen without excessive noise? I listen at realistic levels--medium to loud. I have read that some of the newer phono preamps without transformers--ARC PH6 or CJ TEA2se to name two, will not have enough gain for my application. Thanks in advance for your help.