Analogue front end. You want more weight, scale and dynamics.Where do you start upgrading?


Is it the table, arm or cartridge, or perhaps phono stage? Assuming you have no clear weak links. Maybe even motor controller ?

inna

Lewn is 100% right. It's a personal trial and error thing. Always will be. It doesn't matter what part of your system you are trying to optimize, it will always take multiple attempts to get the sound your ears desire. And it will take years, and years. That's why I always say enjoy the journey.

pick muscular players… a generic answer..

or more specific like Kuzma vs Lyra..but just my opinion

I think, unless you missed something, wrong cables or tubes in phono preamp, as an example, there is no way around it - you have to upgrade the table. Then..you go from there.

@inna 

 

Your question is about broad brushed as they can get. Lewm provided a great response as only you can ascertain where to start to improve a system that already has equally efficient sound characteristics across the spectrum of hardware. That being said, you can experiment with any of the variables you listed above and see if you notice any profound changes to your liking. Swapping out any of the equipment for a less costly or a more extreme cost alternative “may” net some changes that could be to your liking.
 

If you currently have good synergy, leave well enough alone…well, in this hobby it is hard not to. Therefore, pick any one of the criteria you feel comfortable exploring and change as needed. If your phono stage is tube based, you can alter the flavor, or dynamic expression of the sound by simply swapping tubes. If it was me, I would start there first, especially if you are overall satisfied with the sound of the system.
 

Cartridges are all over the spectrum in terms of price, quality, and sound characteristics. There are so many lower priced cartridges that play great and can go head to head with much higher priced cartridges that you can spend endless time and money experimenting. What stands out in cartridges is the way they convey the expression of music in conjunction with the totality, I.e.,  combination of the system components. Some may like the sound expression of a lower priced cartridge that exhibits a narrower playing field alluding to a comfortable small club setting, while others might yearn for a cartridge that has wider separation yielding a much larger space. Cartridges can be more robust in the mids and/or highs. Some prefer that, perhaps due to hearing loss, or desire to hear infinite details. Others, may want to just have a mild and mellow listening session without the fuss of all the details exploding around them possibly distracting from hearing the essence of the music. Too many variables to discuss here. If you look at any previous posts, you can locate lots of user experiences of the types of hardware you mentioned.