SEEKING ADVICE: Which component would you upgrade first?

Welcome, lucasread!

Gird up your loins!  :) 

As a recording engineer, can we assume that the room interaction with your loudspeakers, positioning and a modicum of room treatments has been addressed.  If not, it's biggest bang for the buck towards your goals. Overreaching on a good loudspeaker choice can then benefit from growing the system as your budget allows.  A power efficient loudspeaker can take you down the highway.  Finding a hi-fi mentor has great value on many levels.  Go slow, friend.  I've enjoyed the ride for over 60+ years.  Onwards!

More Peace     Pin         (bold print for old eyes)

It wasn't mentioned but I would start with speaker wires and upgraded RCA interconnects. Simple and cheap and your not tearing your system apart. Then if not satisfied, I would start with new speakers. Once you go down this road It's like changing a window in your home It turns out all new windows and siding. Each piece you change requires a new piece to fit your new system. So consider carefully and get your check book out. Good luck it can be great fun.

The OP is a Bot!

OP here; thanks for all the input and hearty debate.

I've decided that I'll start with the cartridge. I'm happy with the speakers and amp, and believe they're each doing everything they can with what they've been provided. Therefore, I must upgrade the quality of the signal the speakers and amp are getting.

No, @ditusa, not a Bot. But I appreciate the motivation to get me to respond back and close the loop.

Cheers!

Upgrade the signal, but what does the signal have to go through?

The phono stage.

IMO, the TT/cart is only as good as the phono stage.