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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
xcool's avatar
xcool OP
273 posts
 
Thanks for all the suggestions so far.   I might be leaning towards phono stage first.  Part of the reason is that I don't have a lot of understanding of how much does a turntable matter.   In my mind, the cartridge matters more than a turntable in terms of SQ, as long as the TT has reasonably low noise level and tracks well enough.  But I can be wrong.

I have heard about Herron.   Seems to have some good reviews in this forum.   I will give it a serious look.   I do like the PS Audio 30 days home trail.   Fairly low risk.   Thanks!
jasonbourne52's avatar
jasonbourne52
2,863 posts
 
Why spend $3K for a phono stage? You can buy an ARC SP6 for half that much - or less! It still has one of the best phono stages ever - all tube! You can use tape out to bypass the high level stage. That's what I do with mine! 
ml8764ag's avatar
ml8764ag
502 posts
 
Love the Vincent pho-701!!!.... just bought a Stellar phono to try.

OP...I definitely would be interested in a follow up from you if you move away from the Vincent. I have tried quite a few phono stages (some much more expensive)...and none have surpassed it in my system....to my ears.

To me ....the 700 and 701 are giant slayers!



cybertred
2 posts
 
I wouldn't start with upgrading the phono stage first, as it will unveil flaws up the chain (cartridge, tonearm and turntable). Your plan to incrementally upgrade will be out the door. I will not name which brand and model. Your cartridge is a good one and can be the last component to consider upgrading. I would upgrade the turntable first. Whenever you upgrade a component, always choose the best you can afford. You should hear incremental improvement in SQ. Live with the improved SQ for a period of time. Perhaps you won't need to upgrade for a little while. When you're feeling the itch and start to hearing the limitation of your system again, upgrade your phono stage next. 
vinylshadow
503 posts
 
Rogue Ares or Ares Magnum. Give a look.
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