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

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.

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. 

In the antipodes some wine and a “cheese and bickie plate” are used …

It is great to have an expert like @lewm nearby. I have been to his house and listened to his awesome system. And the collection of incredible TTs he has... pretty impressive.