$5k Upgrade

I did end up getting a well tempered amadeus II, a EMT TSD15 which is being run through an Auditorium SUT (DL103 version) into MM phono on Shindo Auriges Pre-Amp.  It is definitely a different presentation, much quieter background, more dynamic than the clearaudio.  The ZYX Airy 3 (which I also ran on this table) seems to have better detail but the EMT is better in mids and bass and more enjoyable overall.  I would love to try the higher ZYX carts but I think that this price point is as high as I go on the cartridge side.  

I hadn't kept up with the new WT Royale, looks very intriguing.  The likely upgrades that I will consider is going up in the shindo chain, massetto, and likely get the new Auditorium SUT built specifically for the EMT TSD15.  

The Royale looks interesting for sure. I listened to a few turntables this year, but eventually put the money in to a different system upgrade. I will continue to listen, but Mr. Firebaugh really has designed a special product. To my ears, some of the tables I heard lost the tonality of the WTL.

OP-

start w/ a pre-amp.

You might want to consider cleaning your records with an ultrasonic record cleaner. I built my own, for less than $5k, around an 80KHz German commercial unit (Elmasonic). Cleaning records at 50C and multiple rinses get me as much more music as a major component upgrade. And it's not exactly bad for the stylus, either (pay for itself? perhaps). Look up the ultrasonic thread on DIYAUDIO.

tgruemaineiac ...

Now that you have the Well Tempered table, do yourself a BIG favor and upgrade the belt with a custom belt from:

www.originlive.com 

It transforms the WT tables. I've had my original WT table since they first came out. I've added lots of mods to it over the years, but the best one was that originlive belt.