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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
curlyhifi
157 posts
 
IMO Phono Stage first.

Parasound JC3
 Clearaudio Concept
Concept MC Cartridge

jjss49's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
tidal.com w mqa!!!
bluesound node 2i!!!
benchmark dac4!!!
tekton double impacts!!!
raven blackhawk amp!!!
nad m33!!!
krell k300i !!!

just kidding...

i would upgrade the phono stage first...

good luck


anthonya
126 posts
 
when playing Mc. tonearm get very important. find a tt which works well with Mc. tt like vpi classic, Linn, gives much better analog rounded textured sound without simbilance 

technics.. listen first. my experience is otherwise. generally works better for mm. 

I also prefer SUT and maybe a tube  in general for MC.


tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,987 posts
 
none of the above get HRS base for your table...

and yes, I have a Herron, and a Croft.....the list goes on...
xcool's avatar
xcool OP
273 posts
 
Hey @ml8764ag Glad to know you love your PHO 701. I’m not entirely unhappy with it. One thing I wish it can do better is the noise floor. I wish it was quieter. I bought a NOS RCA tube and it sounds a little nicer than the stock one, also seems a little warmer.

My issue is that the PHO 701 is my first ever phono stage. I’m curious to see if I can do better. Also, on the digital side, I have a Lumin T2 streamer/DAC, and I think it sounds better than my analog set up. It has a quieter background and a bigger sound stage. Although my analog setup sounds a little more intimate. I guess I want to see if I can improve on my analog set up to ’compete’ with my digital set up. Sounds silly, isn’t it? :-)

Looks like most people think it’s better to upgrade the phono stage first. Will post back if I do make a change. Thanks again!




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