Cartridge or Pre Amp

The AT-ML150 is great, i've tried all cartridges from this series, for $350 the AT-ML150 is unbeatable! The sound is full of details, for double price the AT-ML170 is better. I've tried these carts with different phono stages from $500 to $2500, it wasn't dark at all. Zu Audio Mission Phono cable is great and you can buy one directly from zu audio promo auctions on ebay under $150. 

@jollytinker Very nice cartridge! I was actually thinking of upgrading the the ART9. What phone stage are you running with it?

@chakster I may also experiment with upgrading the stylus.

@joyofsound You can’t go wrong with the ART9. I think it depends on how much cash you want to invest. ART9 is around $1k depending where you get it. If you want to go above that I’d agree that a good phono stage would make a big difference. Mine is a Doshi Alaap 2.1 - even at a bargain price it was very expensive but I don’t regret the purchase. some very good options listed in this thread. Lately I’ve also been enjoying a Zyx CPP-1 head amp running into an old Audible Illusions Modulus 2A pre-amp, using only the tape outs so that it acts as a MM phono stage. sounds fantastic with a pair of svetlana 6922s

The more better the system gets, the more records will sound different to each other. That's the result of higher resolution. In fact, you should embrace it: that's one of the ways to tell if your system is actually getting better or just changing colorations/presentation. 


Surprised at some that are saying "get a better phono stage". Can easily say that about any other piece, or "upgrade everything". I personally think as you describe your system, it is very well balanced. 


Before upgrades, I think it's better to make what you have sounds it's best. What fun is it to just swap components without getting to play with them and get to know them? 

And, you have to roll tubes. It's like a rule. It's the law, if you want to be a true "audiophile". We do have a code of ethics, you know. 

Which ones? ALL of them-any you can get your hands on. It's just experimenting, right? Anything cheap, even used, you should try. Then, if and when you want to spend real money on tubes, you might have an idea what to get.