New TT or new Cart? Technics content

@martinman
I have the 1200 mkll w/mikes bearing spindle & a SME 309 & Hana ml.
I also have the GAE w/AT150mlx. Now the AT 150 is a lil more lively. The SME & the AT150 in my eyes wouldn’t be a good match, so I kept the Hana on the SME. The 150 came off my other 1200 with the original arm (sold) recently & played Rock different then the Hana. Now both units sound VERY similar, with the Hana a little darker in sound. Hope this helps.

I'm running an AT33Sa MC on my SL1200 MK2 with stock arm into a Vincent PHO-701 phono pre and it absolutely sings. I would give a MC a go, and get another headshell, so easy to swap carts on Technics.

There are lots of options, and depends on where you want to go. Is this about a lifetime path to a fantastic system. A one and done? 

My first thought would be Phono stage. If you are shooting for a great system. They are simply critical in getting the most out of a turntable. Of course good ones cost a lot of money. I wouldn’t spend less than $1,200 used… so getting into the $ 2,500 new range. 

Then upgrade preamp, then amp.

@ghdprentice 

For me, it's really about upgrading along the way.  I made a pretty big (for me) purchase with the hint6, so I'm going to keep all of the integrated aspects that it has.  I had separates before (prono pre), but the hint6 was way better.    

It's really about identifying the weak links in my current setup and trying to fill the gap with something basically at 150% of what I had (if that makes any sense).  With my setup I'm using the HT Bypass option, so I have the opportunity to run separate subs for 2 channel only.  During home theater, my setup can run 3 subs! 

Room treatment is difficult - I know it's an issue.  I've been banished to the finished basement for my listening.  It's a very large room 15x30x9 (15 across the front).  It's a general purpose space for entertaining so, I can't put up walls or anything.  Not sure if room treatment would be effective?  I'm sure it will help, but I'm not sure how much given the space.  

Actually, there are more "room" issues (not fewer) when trying to get low bass out of only one sub, compared to using two or more subs.  Take a look at the Audiokinesis website.  Duke knows what he is talking about, and he is as nice and honest a guy as you will ever find in this business.  The short answer is that you are better off with two subwoofers than one, if you are dissatisfied with the low bass response you are getting now.