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Which to upgrade first: Turntable or Phono Preamp

Hi, I just recently got back into vinyl about 8 months ago after switching to digital 30+ years ago.  My current setup is as follows:
 - Pro-ject Classic Turntable
 - Hana ML cartridge
 - Vincent PHO 701 phono preamp

I'm very happy with the Hana, but am thinking about upgrading either the turntable or the phono stage.   Although I'm not entirely unhappy with the current setup.   Just going through some upgrade fever I guess.   The question I have is which one do you think I should upgrade first:  Turntable or the Phone stage?

I'm thinking about the Clearaudio Concept turntable and the PS Audio Stellar phono stage, but I'm open to suggestion.   I'm hoping to spend under 3k on either.

Anyway, the real question is whether anyone thinks which upgrade will give me more bang for the buck: Turntable or Phono stage?

Thanks very much in advance.
128x128xcool
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
The Vincent will be a baby step and the Concept will be a lateral move. Thin gruel for the money. The Decware ZP3 will be a huge leap forward, and well within budget even if you do need to get the SUT for your Hana. Lifetime warranty, perfect for what may well be a foundation component you will keep many years, if not decades. 

https://www.decware.com/newsite/ZP3.htm
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rauliruegas
13,103 posts
 
Dear @xcool : I will go for the Stellar phono stage that will improves significately the quality level performance of any of your beloved LPs.

Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,
R.
xaak
43 posts
 
Here's my thinking on this.  Upgrading the turntable at this point will tell you nothing about your phono stage.  However, upgrading your phono stage will allow you to hear if there are any problems with your turntable/arm combination much better.

Go for the phono stage.  Get the best you can afford.  The Hana is a really nice cartridge.

Can't help you with what phono stage, as I'm looking at them too, but I have 3 on my short list so far.  The PS Audio Stellar Phono on the low end, the Parasound JC 3+ in the middle, and the Herron VTPH-2A on the upper end.

Good luck.
tooblue
1,939 posts
 
Phono stage all day long.
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
Get the Herron. What I have, fabulous, highly recommended. Only reason I didn't, a bit above the OP budget. Probably if side by side it would come down to one is pure tube (and triode at that!) the Herron does use JFET. I think. Something SS in there. So just that little hint, vs pure tubey magic. Total keeper either way. Next step up from there would probably be SG1.
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