Yeah, just to reiterate - I would expect you to hear a nice difference with an Ares (or that quality of phono stage) in your current system. I didn’t mean to infer you must have that $6K rig before getting the Ares. Used deals do pop up, and it’s worth keeping an eye out. Used Ares can be had for $1K, which is a great deal.
Another nice tube stage I’ve liked in the past is the Hagerman Trumpet, though it’s MM only so will require an outboard SUT (and extra set of cables) to handle MC cartridges.
Another nice tube stage I’ve liked in the past is the Hagerman Trumpet, though it’s MM only so will require an outboard SUT (and extra set of cables) to handle MC cartridges.