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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
djspinner's avatar
djspinner
60 posts
 
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. 


psychoticreaction
37 posts
 
The table you have is capable, and the cartridge is quite good.

I think you're going to have to spend north of 4k to get a significant improvement over your current table.  Below that, and you're just trading one design compromise for another.

Go for the phono preamp at this point.
big_greg
6,664 posts
 
@elliottbnewcombjr This isn't meant as a putdown, but I'm having a hard time making sense of your dialogue about switching from a MM to MC cart since the OP has a nice MC cart already.

Getting a better turntable is the thing that is most likely to result in better sound quality in terms of more detail, better imaging, soundstaging, timing, etc. or to your point, more of the music getting through.  You're correct that changing the cart or the phono stage may result in a more noticeable difference in sonic character, but that's not always the same as an improvement. 

Different can be good.  Better is usually better.  
xcool's avatar
xcool OP
273 posts
 
Thanks everyone for your suggestions.  There are very good comments from both sides.  Now I have some homework to do.   Will post back if I do make a change.  Thanks again!
ihcho's avatar
ihcho
612 posts
 
I would spend money on phono stage. Herron would be a good choice. If you are looking for used, it may not be easy to find one. Allnic H1202 would be an alternative. There are a few available for sale now.
Once you upgrade phono stage, sooner or later you might feel your turntable is a weak link. (Hana ML and Herron/Allnic are at different leagues compared to your turntable). Then you can worry about upgrading the turntable.
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