Lost on next upgrade from SME 20/2 + IV.Vi arm ...

JRManders: I just took my suspension up...maybe at 5-6 mm now. It does open it up some, a little more energy, detail, depth - especially on top, but nothing grainy still effortless, subtle but noticable. I need to listen it this way for a bit, not sure I lost anything at first listen, seems like a step in the direction!

Dear John: +++++ " my BAT phono stage is pretty darn good, I don't know what else to go for except maybe a Aesthetix Io. " +++++

well as good it is there are other better alternatives for this critical analog link.

The dynamics that you are missing ( between other things ) has to do/see ( between other things ) with that the cartridge signal in your today analog chain pass through many different stages before the amplifiers ( too many ):

three gain stages in the phonostage, two stages at the output of the phonostage ( male and female connectors ), one stage through the cable/wire ( IC ), two more stages at the line input stage ( male and female connector ) and finally one gain stage inside the linestage unit ( btw, the Aestethix don't do better. ), this means NINE stages/veils/filters/"infection" sources that the cartridge signal has to run and where in each one of those nine stages/steps the cartridge signal suffer a degradation ( different degradation levels and of different kind. ).

Now, do you think ( everything the same ) that if the cartridge signal instead to pass for nine stages/filters/steps/veils pass only for 3 to 4 stages ( like in a Phonolinepreamp: integrated unit. ) can you have a better quality performance?, well IMHO with less stages we can conserve the cartridge signal with less ( very low/lower ) alterations and nearer to the recording ( more truer music ) quality reproduction where less signal alterations/degradations means: lower distortion, low coloration, lower noise, more accurate, higher dynamics, more soul, more music, more emotions, more feelings, more and more and more and lower.. of what any music lover is looking for.

John please think about, there is no black magic here only simple facts.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

To
1: well, not that bad, this idea
2. No, try Audioquest Leopard with DBS 72V active Shield
3: Good for your ears
4: something new for the Eye satisfies most
5: see above
6: yes, give others the chance to get it cheap
7: DaVinci

good luck :)

Dear Jfrech: +++++ " I don't know what else to go for except maybe a Aesthetix Io.... " +++++

with that unit the cartridge signal has to pass at least for TEN stages/steps!!!! before amps.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

John, how about just getting a different cartridge?