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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
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.
inna
7,296 posts
 
If your plans are to upgrade everything soon enough, just do it step by step one at a time, then I would start with the table. If you want to do only one upgrade then phono stage.
inna
7,296 posts
 
You guys stop pushing this Herron/PS Audio/whatever you got on every occasion. Your credibility suffer. There are many phono stages under $3k, especially if used is acceptable but even if only new. You don't even know the rest of the man's system and his sound preferences, why the hell do you jump with recommendations ?
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