suggestions on upgrading my system

I just checked, underwoodwally is selling the JD9MKII for $649 on AG. Check out the ad and maybe give him a call. I have no affiliation, however have talked to him and found him helpful. May offer a return policy. 

After further exploration on the HK990, it appears that it has eq and bass management features that are in the digital domain only. As your are using analog input only you are not taking advantage of this, or if you are, you must be redigitalizing (spelling?) your analog signal to do so.  I have noted that your amp is considered very good as an analog 2-channel amplifier. 

So again, i believe you might find yourself very satisfied with your sonics with an improvement in your phonostage. You may later consider a cartridge upgrade also.

Mesch… WOW!

Talk about going above and beyond expectations. Thank you for all you did to help me in my quest. 

I think I will start with research about a phonostage. I looked up the  JD9MKII. I'll see how it matches up with my Scout's JMW-9 Memorial arm and ortofon 2m bronze cartridge.

Many thanks!

You are most welcome!  Keep us posted as to your decisions. 

Update

After a lot of researh and discussion I went with a Herron VPTH-1mm. Not easy to find… but through perseverance I got lucky and purchased a newly built one at a great price. 

I’ve had the Herron VTPH-1mm in my system for about a month and a half. The improvement of the overall sound over the Harman Kardon on board phono stage was immediate and dramatic. (Not that the HK phono stage was bad.)

I’m very happy with this purchase… the cost to sound improvement value ratio is excellent.

Now onto the next step in my search for music listening nirvana.