I am enjoying my analog system, but what can I do to improve?

The OP has been steered into a alley way where there is doubt about their owned equipment, for this I am not responsible.

I am responsible for suggesting learning about Near Field Listening in Small Room and attempting to receive a demonstration of a device that has taken on an appeal.

The OP has been dragged through the briars backwards as a result of their inquiry on the thoughts on how to take their system to another level.

The encouragement to get rid of a Pre-Amp, get rid of the Cartridge, get rid of the tonearm wire, get rid of the Tag Wire, get rid of the Headshell, get rid of the platter mat, get rid of the Puck Weight, change the Geometry, and the like, all adds up to a bombardment of ideas, that a selection of will make an inexperienced individual run for cover from.

With the daunting effect of such suggestions, no wonder the OP leaned toward the idea of ditching what they own and starting afresh, and showed a curiosity about Vintage vs Modern Technics Models.

I remain in my earliest and later advice to the OP, Near Field Listening can prove to be a very satisfying experience when the disciplines for the set up are utilised, and to get out and share in demonstrations.

One good half hour spent in the right environment with experienced individuals is worth much much more than what forum talk can ever offer.

’Learn to listen and Listen to learn’

When a person has a experience gathered with approx' 30 Years of visiting HiFi Events, HiFi Enthusiast Events, and multiple visits to homes of like minded individuals who share in a enjoyment of replaying Vinyl LP's.

It was taking part in such activities that enabled myself to meet a individual who was well known at the time for their Garrard 401 Modifications to which I sent my own 401 to, for a modification, way back in the mid 90's.

It is quite easy to encounter all the commonly used Drive Systems for a TT.

At such times, it is also quite easy to identify obvious modifications when the aesthetic is quite different to an original, a PTP Solid 9 is an obvious example, of which I also own one.

Modified LP 12's and other Belt Drive TT's are out there in multiple guises , but I have not gone for a modification to a owned Belt Drive TT.

DD's are also to be discovered with various levels of modifications, the most commonly seen, is with advanced Plinth Designs, and then there are those with redesigns for the Platter Spindle Bearing and Platter, and in some cases the electronics to which I have heard a variety of these guises and have a various brands of DD's with a selection of modifications that are listed, and intend on increasing the methods of modifications used.   

To me there seems to nothing 'ridiculous' about meeting with people, especially, those who have acquired knowledge on how to improve a performance of a device.

If the influence made during the encounter is such that a similar method is chosen to be used by oneself, then that is the decision of the end user and nobody else.

If by continued participation in visiting events and homes, more encounters of up to date methods chosen methods for modifications are discovered, then that only adds to the wealth on offer from the experiences encountered.

It is my long term experience and maintained commitment to experiencing recorded music replay methods, it has been this attitude that has been the enabling force behind the offers sent to request a attendance of a  set of ears during R&D works being carried out, along with other regular made general invites to demonstrations.

Again for the OP, I have heard Near Field Set Up, not everybody has the luxury of a larger space for set up their equipment, it is a great experience to be encountered when the disciplines for the setting up the positioning is followed.

This can be achieved with everything you own, and no monies will need to parted with.

There is a substantial amount on info on the Web to show how to produce a very affordable room treatment, this might be something worthy of consideration, when the curiosity arises about how to couple your speakers to the room.            

So, it looks like the consensus is to get better analog components. @stereo_gen also makes a good point. My system current sounds good and could live with it.

And from your opening thread:

My system sounds great, but I am wondering how I can take my system to another level.

To which I previously asked:

• How old are you?
• Do you have friends or family that also like music?
• Where are you?

We now know that it is Bethesda and someone is near you as mentioned coming over.

But I was thinking along 2 lines here:

1. If even a cheap CD sounds great and your TT does not,.. then we know that the issue is in the TT or phono stage.
   1. If the CD sound is also lacking, then it is likely the room/speakers… If that is the case, then a different TT should not do a whole lot to help things that are room/speakers related.
2. The second “line of thought” (with the “friends or family” question), was that it might be cheaper and more enjoyable to just every month or two, give a niece, nephew, friend, etc… $50 to buy an LP for you/them and bring it over for a listening party.
   1. If your system is already good, then it would be a way to aid in enjoying it, and in sharing the enjoyment..

@stringreen mentioned concerts. Which I believe could be sort of the same deal of money spent on entertainment versus equipment…

However he might have been suggesting that as a way to get a better handle of what live music sounds like.
(But that assumes that what you listen to is not a rock concert, with little bearing to what the same group’s studio album may not resemble at all.)

I got about a 1/2 dozen of Son in Law’s favourite LPs, so when he comes over we can have a listen. And I got (or am giving) him a few that I like.

(Sort of like a 2 person “book-sharing club” I guess?)

Dear @chungjh  :  good that @lewm  will come over your place do that's he is a very knowledge an experienced audiophile and along that he own SounLabs speakers and I think you will receive a first hand advises where " things " happens that's at your room/system.

Don't make radical changes in between his visit to you till he can gives you his specific opinion. 

Good luck.

R.

@chungjh The offer from a forum member to visit is a very kind offer and is a very  good opportunity that awaits you.

An experienced enthusiast and like minded individual is willing to share time with you in your listening environment, this is a very fortunate turn out, and the 'one to one' time together should be remembered as an invaluable experience for a very long time. 

These types of interactions are my regular participation, I don't find being shut in a room by myself, as my only HiFi interaction of any great value.

It is for me much more enjoyable when shared as a community and visits and visitors are the norm.

Now with my vast experience of such types of encounters, there is a need to arrange the room correctly, there will be a requirement for a special room treatment, to be placed in a very easy to reach location between the listening position and the speakers, a selection of Biscuits is the only requirement for a          very special room treatment for these occasions. 

Enjoy.