Allow myself to introduce...myself

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.

I use $30 power cord from BLE Design on eBay. Definite improvement in SQ. Tightening up of focus and blacker blacks. They use OFC wire and fancy sheath and hardware with a choice of plating. Well worth it.