Phono preamp or cartridge - which to upgrae first


Hello,

I am currently considering upgrading my analog system and would appreciat your advice on what my next move should be.

My front-end system currently consists of
Galibier Gavia, Triplanar arm and Dyna 17D3 cartridge which runs through a Modwright 9.0 SWLP preamp w. phono stage. Music is mainly rock, jazz, blues - very little classical music.
I am quite happy with my set-up but am interested to improve it to get more detail and spatial information as well as maybe a tad warmer, more emotionally involving sound (I believe the Modwright can sound a bit solid-statish at times). I like dynamic, transparent sound with good wxtension to both frequency extremes, but not strident; tonally neutral but if necessary erring a bit to the warm side than analytical.

Initally I was thinking of getting a better cartridge but am hesitatant because I am not sure how much of its qualities I will be able to hear through the Modwright. Maybe it is a better idea to get a really good phonostage first as a system anchor? If so, my preference would be to combine phonostage and preamp into one box (maybe with seperate power supply) rather than seperate components to save money and space (such as a Coincident phonostage?).

Any advice on how to proceed and specific suggestions is greaty welcome.

Gemini
gemini05
I agree with Bpoletti on this one, your Dyna is a good cartridge and in my experience, upgrading the phono stage to better amplify the dynamic swings this cart is capable of would be my first venture. The Herron or Manley stages would be excellent choices to go with.
Though I sided on the recommendation towards cartridge, I see it's all-in for phono stage here; it's certainly true that this would be an excellent investment for you. I'll also note that in the last 2 years (at least) of reading here, I've seen only 100% positive (read: gushing) feedback for the Herron VTPH-2 stage, which seems peculiarly immune to the typical flavor-of-the-month ebb and flow of enthusiasm.

I'd definitely love to try out that Herron myself, as it seems to be something special. My Sonic Frontiers Phono 1 SE+ has a phenomenal midrange and silky sparkling treble, but if I could find something to match it that adds in top-notch dynamics I'd be in bliss.
Mulveling, you should contact Keith Herron to see if you can arrange an audition in your own system. It's the only way to know for sure.
Went to a seminar at the RMAF. Roy Gregory on optimizing your cartridge Look for the video to come out on The Audio Beat..All things you can do without and devices or software. Very very cool. In addition he was using a VPI table and arm set up. I was surprised that he was using SoundSmith MM cartridge that he said sells for about 1K. I thought is sounded very good and fuller then a lot of MC cartridges that I heard.