Musical Surroundings Phonomena II+ -OR- Moon 110lp v2 -OR- Parasound ZPhono XRM Phono

Something is wrong.

List all of your year with specifics and maybe someone here can help figure out what.

My TT/arm are approx. 50 years old and my phono preamp retailed for <$200 - this setup plays everything without a hitch.

DeKay

@dekay 

I am just generally confused, shouldn't a better equipment improve the sound (in general, if setup properly)?

My current phono stage is in my Musical Fidelity A3.2

Do you have a source aside from vinyl?

If the sound of it gets confused with more complex music then it could be the amp/speakers.

If this only happens with vinyl playback then something is amiss with the analog gear.

A P3 with a decent cartridge mated to an MF A3.2 should sound quite good with all types of music.

DeKay

@dekay 

that's exactly what I thought, testing CD vs vinyl. I will do it now and post results shortly.

"My current phono stage is in my Musical Fidelity A3.2"

The phono stage in your amp will be "bettered" with a stand alone unit.

How much will only be found out by hearing all 3 at once in your setup. 

With your existing table, I wouldn't go beyond the Moon, based on it's age. The latter Rega designs are improved and noticeably "better".

If it were me, I go with the Parasound, since It essentially will do everything the MS will. Get a $500 new flavor cart at some point and be done with it.

Any curiosity after that is a step up to a new table and next level phonostage-more wallet opening.

By then, you'll want an amp and new speakers too.