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Cartridge or Pre Amp

I recently picked up the Pro-Ject Tube Box DS and I am tickled pink on how warm and yet dynamic it remains. I’ve noticed that there seems to be some front stage darkness on some older records. Nothing more volume can’t fix. Would upgrading my AT-ML150 cartridge or the pre amp would this phenomenon or it simply a characteristic of the production and pressing of its day?


My setup:

Technics MK1200 MKII various upgradeds: wires, tonearm, etc.
AT-AL150/OCC Cartidge
Pro-Ject Tube Box DS
Bryston 4B3
Bryston Model T speakers
Simaudio MOON NEO Preamp
OPPO UDP-205


joyofsound
joyofsound OP
25 posts
 
Update:

Subsonic filter was removed! I didn't notice that it was selected. I also increased it to 60k, resulting in a much sensitive and wider stage. Amplification volume was much more sensitive, which was my end goal. Thanks to everyone's input in getting to the crux without spending a dime!
jetter
3,092 posts
 
Unless your phono stage came with high quality tubes, I would highly recommend the following tubes purchased only from Grand Fidelity who sorts out the best for sale: http://psvanetube.com/wordpress/store/products/12ax7-tii-pair-or-single/.  I use them in my preamp and could not be happier with them and have used a number of NOS tubes to compare.
joyofsound OP
25 posts
 
I'm not fluent in tube technology. I do know that my Pro-Ject Tube Box comes with ECC83 (12AX7).
I'm all for upgrading the quality but how does your suggestion differ in sound dynamics compared to the ECC83 (12AX7)?
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