Andy Taylor's low audio output on his "modernized" Philco phono
(the quotes are for the CD generation) could be caused by at least
two factors.

One, he may have used a magnetic cartridge, whose output is not only
low impedance but very low voltage.  Better to use a ceramic or crystal
cartridge, although these are harder on the records.  Radio Shack used
to sell a small pre-amp box that would boost a magnetic cartridge's
output enough to drive a modern stereo amplifiers AUX input, which
should be plenty for the Philco.

Two, Andy may have a ceramic cartridge already, but it is old and
tired, as all such cartridges get after a few decades.  A new one is
available from jukebox supply houses (as are some tubes, capacitors,
and the oldies and latest pop tunes on 45s!).

Andy could teach many radio collectors a thing or two.  Most of them
won't touch a radio with a phono in it, from fear of the rubber idlers
and dead cartridges.  You can pick up radio-phonograph sets really
cheap at radio swap meets for that reason.

Good luck Andy, and enjoy those records!

Mike Knudsen