Vinyl System Upgrade Path Recommendations

Thanks @nkonor & @rockrider for more solid advice. Cleaning and maintaining my "source" was a consistent theme. I'll look into building or buying a good cleaning solution. 

I appreciate the note about avoiding too many lateral moves in favor of saving up for bigger and better upgrades. As I'm still gaining knowledge about how equipment impacts things and still developing a better understanding of my personal preferences, I will likely want to experiment a bit with similar level options before moving up to the big time. I really enjoy that you can buy and sell used gear and get to try a lot of things. For instance, before I settled on the Eico I had a Fisher KX-200 and a Dynaco SCA-35. Before the Totems, it was JBL L40s. 

Next moves are clean, clean, clean... and probably the Nagaoka MP110, and possibly a new phonostage. 

Any recommendations on good shows to keep an eye out for? I'm in Austin TX. We've got a few vintage and high-end audio shops but it's pretty limited. 

I built a dyna-kit ST-70 back in the 70’s. I still have it, but retired it long ago and moved on. Don’t know much about the Eico, but I’m guessing it is a somewhat earlier vintage. If you have kept it up (tubes, sockets caps, driver board, etc.) it still may be viable, but if it is in original condition it will need help. If you like vintage tube equipment, it may be a fun project, but you will likely get more bang for your buck with a modern amp. Same with the Apt.

Your turntable is fine, as long as it is good working order. A new cartridge is in order, any of the major brands have good carts that will work fine with your table. I wouldn’t go much higher than an Ortofon 2M blue, Grado Prestige gold, or an AT VM540ML. The Nag MP110 and the less expensive MoFi carts would be good choices too. Anything more expensive will be overkill for your system, and you will probably not reap any further sonic benefits. The good news is you can try out these carts and rotate them in your system; they will all sound different.

When you are ready to upgrade your turntable and phono pre, you will want to look into MC carts and the more expensive MMs that are out there. Last year a bought a Technics SL1200 GR and experimented with different phono pres and carts. The Technics is similar to what you have, but more refined and will squeeze that extra detail out of more expensive carts (and you will be pleasantly surprised how it will make your less expensive carts sound). I am currently rotating an old Grado, a Mofi Master Tracker, and a Hana SL. I can get it to work with a Denon 103 and an old Share V-15, but those carts are not really a good match for the arm - fun to play with but not recommended. If all you want to do is upgrade your front end, I would stay with your Pioneer for a while and get a new cart.

As far as phono pres - lot’s of good choices out there. On a budget, I would recommend the Schiit Mani. Try it, and return it if it doesn’t float your boat. I finally settled on an Odyssey Suspiro, but a Sutherland KC Vibe I had in my system was a close contender. My next purchase will be a PS for the Suspiro.

designtaylor,

I lived in Juneau, AK. Talk about Limited amount of shops available. You have some shops. Get to know them, What gear they carry, What services they can provide and get a feel as to whether you can trust and work with them. Brick & Mortar shops are getting scarce. I live in Chicago now. Have 5 High End shops within an hour drive, more if I am willing to drive 1 1/2 to 2 hours. I do not like every shop and their owners. Music Direct is about 40-45 minute drive. Still with all these resources, there is a lot of gear that none of them carry. Service and gear they carry has been on a downward spiral for years. Axpona is held in April. 

While surfing thur the threads this morning, I spotted mention of the "Lone Star Audio Fest". You live in Austin, TX. The Fest is held in Dallas, TX. Will be held May 3,4 and 5, 2019. My mapping says it is a 197 mi drive, 2hr 49 min - Tolls required.

One last thought about your Source / Records. Whether it is your current TT rig or a 20,30,40 K rig, You will use the same records.

Best

@kahlenz - I've been looking at th4 Mani. I'm very happy with the headphone amp I have from Schiit and the reviews on the Mani are outstanding. At $130, gotta be worth a try. 

@nkonor - Thanks for the info on possible events to attend. I will get those on the calendar. Used to live in Chicago myself. Winter is coming ;) 

Record cleaning should be the last thing you think about.  The difference between a clean record with just a wipe from a  microfiber cloth and a fancy vacuum system is minimal.