Thanks for your reply Paul. I suppose my question is more for the manufacturer of my streamer/preamp which my phono stages feed. The preamp section uses a MUSES 72320 for the volume control, such solidstate devices I think can overload, also there may be an input buffer...I really don't know. With 50db of gain using a 5mV to 6mV cartridge is similar to CD level so it should be ok, it's overload due to noise which concerns me a little, as I say I should check with the preamp manufacturer.