Which to upgrade first: Turntable or Phono Preamp

Dear friends: Who of you that are against the OP TT own or owned that same combination:

Pro-ject Classic Turntable
 - Hana ML cartridge          ? ? ?

Then if you owned then share your first hand experiences with the OP and if not why diminished it in that hard way ! ! ? ?

R.

Get the Technics 1200GR.

If getting a phono stage first:
I like really like my Project phono box RS $1700 with outboard self-charging battery power supply. Has XLR outs, is very quiet and detail rich. It is dual mono...settings for both channels and can load capacitance down to 100. Also has 3 gain settings.

Dear @millercarbon :   "   vs pure tubey magic... "

certainly you have a wide " imagination " because that " magic " just does not exist and never existed. Can you prove it its existence with true repétitive  facts?

R.

big_greg

OP said: "Just going through some upgrade fever I guess".

OP says happy with the Hana. OK, but we can still suggest ideas.

I was very happy with my MM Shure/SAS cartridge, then after much resistance, and encouragement here, I tried a MC, via SUT to existing beloved tube phono. Sure GLAD I had my resistance broken!

I still use my old Shure on a separate arm.

My MC choice was based on both wider channel separation and tighter center balance than the Shure. It’s imaging is why I prefer it.

IOW, a different cartridge, as an addition to the Hana, will give the largest audible difference.

IMO, a better TT/ARM is essentially ’to do less’ i.e. less vibration, less speed variation, better transmission of groove/stylus down the wire. While ’advisable’ an audible improvement detected, the system sound will be essentially the same.

I never saw or heard OP’s Vincent or a Jolida, I looked online, both very versatile, quickie search decent reviews, within OP’s budget, seemed to me just keep the Vincent.

Any phono stage change really needs return option, their sound in ____ system is not easily predictable.

this looks interesting, MM and MC phono, but no returns

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-CARVER-C-1-Sonic-Holography-Preamplifier-w-BOX-Paperwork-NEAR-MINT-...

New table for sure. VPI is usually the most mentioned in that price range, but I personally prefer the aesthetics of the Clearaudio Concept w/ Satisfy tonearm.

I would make look at the various online retailers (MusicDirect, HiFi Heaven, Upscale Audio etc.) or local stores and find a good deal on an open box special.