Next Upgrade??

rar1, thanks for the perspective. I can't say that anything bothers me about my system. it images fairly well, good bass, definitely loud enough. Just always looking for a little better. 

mijostyn, in the long run looking to make improvements. would like to ultimately go balanced which will likely make some difference. this will require a change in preamp, likely rogue rp-7 at some point. same for TT and phono stage. I feel like my speakers will support a better source at some point but to get a real noticeable difference I'd likely need to spent 10k or so on a table/tonearm I'm thinking. was looking for a small step I could make in the short term

If you like your Hana ML you could consider the brand new Hana Umami Red. Hana has a nice trade in program to help make these moves easy.

Then by all means do a cartridge. Your tonearm justifies a better cartridge. A Lyra Delos, Clearaudio Charisma, Ortofon Cadenza Black or perhaps a Kiseki Blue.

rmdmoore - I think your strategy is right. When upgrading, start with the source component, in this case, the cartridge. This doesnt always work out, depends on your context, dont ignore good possibilities further down the chain, good second hand offers - and so on. But generally I think the best way to upgrade is to start with the source and then move on from there. At least that has been my path. I started with low level cartridges, Stanton, Pickering, and then moved up to the Lyra Clavis, in the 1990s - cutting edge, at the time. It made me reconsider other components of my system. Later, I have upgraded to better Lyra carts, Titan, and now Atlas. This can be expensive, but I think there is now a considerable "trickle down" effect, good carts can be had for less money than before. So I would advice, try some better cartridges. Or just - take a chance - like I did. Maybe they are not total successes in your current system, but will be, if you change something else. My point is, source components tend to lead the way, so it is a good point to start there.

+1, @gestalt.

I had Hana ML before I upgraded to Hana Umami Red. Hana ML is a very good sounding cart and excellent value for the money. If you love the sound of ML, you’re are going to appreciate the uptick in subtleties with Umami. The Umami simply digs deeper and let’s you appreciate the music even more. It’s definitely has a smoother tone than the ML.

Good luck!