What To Do?


I'm rebuilding my system.  TT is next.  I have a reliable but dated Music Hall 7.1.  What should I do with $12k?  Buy a new TT and phono preamp or keep the MH and buy a better cartridge and phono preamp?  Thanks in advance for feedback. 

makfour

You can get a top shelf cartridge and a phonostage for maybe 4-5 K$.

Personally I would start there and then decide it if it is good enough.

I'm drowning in choices.   I'm looking at Gold Note and Line  Magnetic for phono preamp.   VPI, Dr. Feikert Volare, Acoustic Signature Double X Neo, Rega Planar 10 with Apheta 3.  MC cartridge but no idea Which one.   Maybe a Hana.  I'm open to anything.  Open to any arms but was looking at recommended ones like a Gimbal or Kuzma.  figure the you guys can give me some advice since you've been down this path before. 

I upgraded my turntable system (U-turn Orbit w/ Ortofon Blue MM cartridge) this year to a Dr. Feikert Volare with an Origin Live Silver tonearm. I installed a Hana S series MC cartridge on the tonearm. The turntable, tonearm and cartridge was right at $4500. The acoustic difference was shocking. It is so much better than what I was listening to previously. The turntable is heavy and dead quiet. The Origin Live tonearm and Hana cartridge is a great combination. It tracks incredibly well and is really easy to adjust. I love the combination and shouldn’t need to change the turntable or tonearm for a very long time.