Improving existing setup, where to start?


Hello, thanks for helping out!

Years ago I left 2 channel and converted to home theater for family needs. I am now trying to get the best of both worlds. 

I have a Music Hall Mmf 7 setup that is being driven by a Marantz sr7012 receiver. Yep...

So, my first step was going to be a stand alone phono preamp, something mid range or even less expensive like the Schiit Mani.

I also had to replace a broken cartridge years ago and threw on an Ortofon Red. 

My question would be, phono amp or cartridge first?

I have a 5 channel Emotiva amp driving Gallo Reference 3.1 speakers, SVS sub etc. 


Thanks!!
mjontosh
I’m not familiar with your amplifier but one of the Rogue tube integrated amps has a built in phono stage. I’m somewhat skeptical about replacing the Marantz based on your budget. My understanding is that phono amps really begin to stand out at around the $2,300.00 mark. So if it were me and I had to be fiscally conservative, I’d first buy the best cartridge I could afford.
As far as nice stand alone phono amps, there are plenty on the used market. For whatever reason, good tube phono amps tend to be a good deal more expensive than solid state. I have an ASR Mini Basis Exclusive and I believe it’s very good for the money and it offers the tone of a tube amp with the bass and transients of a solid state. I need a better tonearm and then a better mono cartridge and I’ll have for the most part completed my analog setup.
If you’re satisfied with the sound after you upgrade the cartridge, then relax. It’s all about the music. I’m saying this as I’m spinning a 1954 Haydn Society box set of vinyl remastered from 1938 recordings.
Thank you guys for the replies.

DeKay, I'm almost certain now that this is a great starting point. Seems very easy to swap the Blue stylus out and then ensure the cart is perfectly setup. 

The damn thing came with a Goldring Eroica high output moving coil and I was using a Jolida tube driven preamp, sounded amazing and I've chased that sound ever since. I think one of my kids messed with the table and broke the stylus. At the time, I had no idea I could just replace the stylus so I just threw a cheap cart on it and stopped using it. 

Anyway, Blue stylus and proper setup followed by phono amp. Perfect, thanks!
Yes mani schiit is  very very good, I like the speed and the explosiveness of this phono preamp, it match well will ortofon blue mm...