JayZ,

The volume for LPs is significantly less than for CDs. With CDs, I usually have the volume at or below 9 o'clock...with LP's it is usually at about 11 o'clock.

As has been previously stated, some CDs seem to be mastered hotter than others.

Moving Coil (MC) cartridges are generally considered to be more sensitive and better sounding than moving magnet (mM) cartridges, but they have a lower output and require greater amplification.