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Upgrade path question with $2k to spend

I'd like to make my next upgrade in my 2 channel signal path. Right now it goes

Ortofon 2M Bronze (cart) -> Pro-Ject Debut Carbon SB (table) -> Pro-Ject Phonobox DS+ (Pre-amp) -> Yamaha Avantage RX-2070 (amp) -> Focal Aria 936 (fronts) + HSU ULS-15 MK2 (sub)

I understand room treatment can give the best bang but lets count that out for now. From a purely component perspective what do you think I should upgrade? Im leaning towards the turntable. It was my first table and altough I upgraded the cart, its only a $500 table. I was thinking of maybe buying the Rega Planar 6 w/ Aria MC cart.

Suggestions welcome thanks!

icegeek
johnss
571 posts
 

first thing I would do is upgrade the phono stage. 

icegeek OP
8 posts
 

May I ask why you feel that way?  I mean my current Phonobox DS+ has multiple settings for MM/MC carts and seems like its adequate at $500.  If i upgraded to a $2,000 phono stage and kept my $500 TT and MC cart would that even make a difference?  My feelings were upgrading closer to the source.  

russ69's avatar
russ69
3,514 posts
 

Your weak link is the Yamaha A/V receiver. Start shopping for a nice integrated amp. There is also nothing wrong with upgrading your TT, a good table is a point of pride and the center of your system. Spend way too much on it, you'll have it for a long time. 

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