Where to improve phono chain?

Honestly, you must look at your cables like a component. If you want the best sound, you have to keep it in your mind. LIke a component, there are price points you need to be at in order to get the best sound for the money. I'd try to borrow some AQ cables to see if that does the trick. Cardas would mellow things a bit. Personally I like to get neutral cables and then buy the correct components for my ear. I have never heard a system sound great when using cables to try and 'tune' it in. JMHO

You don't mention if your TT sits on a decent foundation. An HRS, SRA, or Symposium platform will make a world of difference to you analog. Far more than anything mentioned here. You don't know what you already own until good mechanical isolation is achieved and this would include all your other components.

Have you ever heard the Gingko platforms? WOW..> I have heard Clearaudio, VPI, Rega's, Linn, Ayre, Basis and Audio Note tables on them recently and have been blown away. I liked the Gingko better than the Mapleshade on the Audio Note, however when the Gingko was used ON the Mapleshade it made the world of difference.

Shaq,
Great system there!
If I'm not mistaken, the cart you are referring to was made in the late 80's, early 90's for Jeff Rowland by Ikeda and they were unique in being cantirlever-less MC designs, correct?

I agree with you that you may want to start with your phono pre and cart.

Your AR amp/preamp combo, speakers, and TT are superb and most likely craving for a better cart and phono pre combo.

Not sure how much you're willing to spend but I'm a big fan of Lyra carts and they match extremely well with the likes of Manley Chinook, Graham Slee, and Parasound JC 3 amongst others.

Obviously it will be a matter of taste so do your own research and trust your ears!

Good luck.

There are so many possibilities.
1) I used the TE Microgroove and jolly good it was. I would'nt dismiss going up to the groove as well, it is a step up and there is an upgrade path with that, better power supplies I think. You need to fix on a cartridge first, if you are going to change it, as the groove is tailored to your cartridge.

Consider the K&K phono pre too, I use that myself now and I don't plan changing it.

2) cables from the turntable to the phono pre and to the pre are worth looking at, ? borrow some from the cable company, to save money.

3) Isolation is very important, my turntable, already on a good wall stand, perked up with Stillpoint Ultras

4) Bybee phono bullets, as a left field suggestion. They are supposed to be very good on the cable into the phono stage. Don't use them myself, but do use the speaker bullets, with very good results.

5) getting the set up confirmed, ensuring the table is quite level etc, the first thing to do.
6) Cartridge is always worth considering, but it depends on what sound you like and your budget. I am a fan of Benz Micro and Koetsu, after much experimenting, but that is just me