High End Turntable to PreAmp to Connect-VERY poor sound...any advise?

The OP needs to first answer the question about defects in the pre amp.

And if the output of a defect free unit is indeed just 8 mV, I don't know what function this gadget would serve, unless it is to feed a MM preamp that does not have MC capability, between it and line level input jacks. Running two phono amps in series seems like a silly thing to do when there are pre amps available that will take 0.3mV MC or 2.5mV MM inputs and use these to deliver 200mV outputs to be fed to line level input jacks. Or even MC preamps that will do just this.

Why this preamp should then have MM ports is a mystery to me.

A little research threw up this:
"So if you want to try out a moving coil cartridge but your amplifier is only equipped with a fixed-coil input, the Little Bear T8-1 headamp can be recommended to get you started."
So:
1. It needs to be wired to a MM input on a phono preamp which in turn would be wired to the Connect; on its own, there isn't enough gain supplied to be used directly with the Connect.
2. I still don't see what sense it would make for this unit to take MM cartridge inputs.

And if the output of a defect free unit is indeed just 8 mV, I don't know what function this gadget would serve, unless it is to feed a MM preamp that does not have MC capability, between it and line level input jacks.

That's what I assumed that it was for, or maybe to boost an MM to line level?

pre amps available that will take 0.3mV MC or 2.5mV MM inputs and use these to deliver 200mV outputs to be fed to line level input jacks.

Yes, I'm assuming that he just needs the correct piece of kit....

maybe to boost an MM to line level?

It may do that, if the input section does not get overloaded with an MM signal.

Over to OP who is in radio silence.