Allow myself to introduce...myself


Hi folks, I got into audio after college back in the early 2000's, managed to scrape together a GAS Thalia MK I preamp, NAD 2400 amp, and a rich guy gave me his SOTA Sapphire turntable with Sumiko Blue Point Special. Built a pair of Adire Audio MTM's and I had a pretty good rig on the cheap.

Well, I still don't have any money but I'm also still in love with music. Looking for some ways to upgrade without spending a fortune. I do like old gear and analog is my preference so that helps. I have a nice stack of wax, mostly old jazz and bluegrass, a bit of classical and rock. 
coldducktime
Your SOTA is still just that with some TLC
they still make and service that model for a reason.... change that last
and pay it forward by giving it away ( just like how you arrived at it )
speaker cabinets are more than fine woodworking but have at the DIY sites or maybe re veneer any number of great and affordable speakers - for example the DCM Time windows might look smashing in an all wood cabinet, ditto Vandersteen 2, Thiel came with nice cabinets as did Snell, Dunlavey
maybe rebuild and upgrade some Dalquist, etc

Hi,
Welcome.  Cold Duck Time is one of my all-time favorite jazz recordings by Eddie Harris.  You have a nice audio rig, for sure.  I just parted with my SOTA TT after 32 years to an analogue lover.  

My best modestly-price suggestion is to upgrade your your speaker cable to Dueland 16 ga. wire with the terminations of your choice.  Shunyata Venom IC's are about $100 a pair and really elevated the sound quality of my system.  Good upgraded cabling is the least expensive way to improve the sound of your system.  
noromance I love those Garrards with the fancy plinths, never thought of doing that.

The SOTA isn’t going anywhere, I’ve always been very happy with it. Good to know I can still get belts for it. The suspension does sag a bit on one side but I level it to the platter and everything is groovy.

I am fairly happy with my Adire DIY speakers, they do a decent job with imaging but where they really shine is the bass, it is the most warm, controlled and lifelike I’ve ever heard outside a jazz club. And they roll off quite deep in the range.

The rich guy who gave me the SOTA played Bru’s "Time In" on his Vandersteens when I picked it up. The opening of "Lost Waltz" was an experience I’ll never forget, when the band explodes into that scorching romp. It was like being in the studio and the hair on my neck stood up. The Sumiko BPS definitely had something to do with it. So that is something I am interested in recreating, my current setup doesn’t quite get me there.

Whitestix, yeah that Swiss Movement album is an absolute blast. The energy between Les and Eddie goes straight to your soul, and it's so fun to hear the audience's reaction.
I spent a few years as an A/V technician, and understanding what I do about electricity I’ve always had a hard time believing that a cable could have much audible effect, at least to human ears. But, heck, maybe there is something to it.

I do also believe that the most important place to spend money in a system is anywhere that energy changes state, such as a stylus or speaker. These devices require the highest level of engineering and materials to minimize distortion.