which would you replace first?

I believe the pre-phono is way more important then the cart.

Phono pre EAR 834P is one of the best values around, tube based and befitting of systems that cost much more.

Doesn't you dad have the ARC REF 3?? I would think you'd try to find a cartridge to work with it & one you like, and drop the phono pre from the signal path. Sometimes, though, I realize that's not possible.

Well just like every other thread on AudiogoN asking for advice, it appears as if you will get no definitive answers here, and you'll just have to experiment on your own. Since as Stringreen noted, tastes and system synergy will come into play here.

Bob (Ontjesr), the ARC Ref 3 is a line stage only preamp, not a full function preamp. Meaning a seperate phono preamp is still a requirement to have enough gain for vinyl.

Cheers,
John

ooops, I stand corrected, Thanks John. Now, where did I put my coffee??