Phono Preamp upgrade

@boywondr84  - I previously owned a Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Esprit SB. The only difference between my TT and yours is the built-in speed box in the Esprit. It included the acrylic platter which you've already upgraded.

I replaced the Ortofon 2M red stylus with a 2M Blue Stylus and I replaced the phono cable with an Audio Sensibility Impact SE (w/factory burn-in). I found these to be good upgrades at a reasonable price.

However, I have since replaced the Pro-Ject with a Pioneer PLX1000 turntable with a lowly Ortofon Concorde mkII Mix DJ cartridge and I feel it is better than the Pro-Ject. Once I put a more audiophile focused cartridge on the Pioneer, I think it will be a significantly better setup.

I think the Hagerman or Sutherland phono pre-amps would be a good upgrade for you. However, I feel you are ultimately going to be limited by your TT.

You've got great amplification and speakers (although I've never heard the KEFs). I think upgrading both your TT and phono pre-amp are in order. You could do either one first, but probably plan on both over time.

@reubent 

However, I feel you are ultimately going to be limited by your TT

I would agree with that. I purchased a Carbon Debut to see if getting back into vinyl would stick the second time around (after a very long absence). It stuck. Think I had it less than a year before I dove in deeper than I thought I might. It was well worth it. Actually the Mani was the last thing I replaced. I had my SOTA Sapphire/Jelco 850/Soundsmith Zephyr running with the Mani before I ultimately replaced it. That combo was heads and tails above the Pro-Ject in every way, and I was quite pleased with it even with the Mani. The Hagerman was icing on the cake.

It’s a good point @reubent makes. You may want to rethink your table/arm/cartridge first. But, I would be prepared to spend a lot more than a thousand bucks. 

Agree with the above. Upgrade turntable first. 

@millercarbon +1 nailed it on the head. Phonostages are really important don’t skimp… get a destination phonostage or your not going to know what’s happening when you upgrade tt and cartridges.