advice for my clear audio analogue upgrade path

@dhpeck - I have to ask....

What do you think you are missing out on?
- or do you just have the upgrade bug :-)

What do you think the  Clear audio Balance + phono will enhance

What do you think the  Clear Audio Ovation table will enhance

The upgrades above look like they would be "incremental" so I am not sure how much benefit they would provide

RE: the cartridge....

I have a Soundsmith modified Denon 103 with their O.C. Contact line stylus. It required VERY precise setup using a Best Mint protractor and a powerful loupe - and a much younger pair of eyes. We also used a digital camera to verify the setup was precise.

If you have not completed setup to the highest precision I would recommend starting there with the existing cartridge - it really paid off in my case.

Otherwise - the upgrade I would complete first is the cartridge.

BTW - nice choices :-)

Hope that makes sense - Steve

@williewonka great questions to consider and challenge me on.  I'm thinking jumping quite a bit up the chain to the new Cart would lend a wider, more open detailed sound.  As for the phono stage, I can't say what I'd notice to be honest, with the exception that I would be adding a balanced connection on the new phono stage.  Lastly the table, I am constantly reading that TT should be "speed" controlled which the Ovation would do.  Again in truth, perhaps I'm looking for my last table and feel the level of the Ovation would accomplish that and not leave me wondering.  Does that make sense?  I know there are many other TT brands, but based on what my dealer sells and sets up for me, Clear Audio is the one I'm most impressed with.

@williewonka I'll have to ask how my guy at the dealer sets up the carts

@stringreen are you suggesting that my path based on my choice of upgrade levels are so incremental therefore not worth the hassle cost, or are you saying that at some point we all have to sit back and enjoy?  To the latter, I couldn't agree more and perhaps have an "upgrade" bug.

I just recently compared the Performance DC, which I own, with the Ovation and the Ovation was dramatically better in every way. If I could afford it I would definitely buy one. Should you go that way I expect you would be very happy for a long time. I have never heard your cartridge though or your phono stage. My test was using the AMG Teatro cartridge and the Aesthetix Rhea phonostage. YMMV. Good Luck!