I would say every step will get you closer to the music.It just depends on how much money you want to spend.The cartridge is the 'tricky' part.---It may or may not go well with table/arm of "your" future.
I remember having a Sony DD table about 27 or so years ago. I had my table/arm fitted for a Fidelty Research cartridge and bought their step up phono preamp and was in heaven. You are at a spot where there are many choices and just about all of them will get you closer.
I remember having a Sony DD table about 27 or so years ago. I had my table/arm fitted for a Fidelty Research cartridge and bought their step up phono preamp and was in heaven. You are at a spot where there are many choices and just about all of them will get you closer.