Phono preamp or cartridge - which to upgrae first

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.

Thank you for your ideas and proposals.

Upgrading a new phonostage/preamp with phono would make auditioning a bit easier, it seems. Auditioning cartridges is very difficult at best, and auditioning in my own system is probably next to impossible. There are so many variables...the Jubilee which one of you mentioned is considered in some reviews as unemotional and analytical, in other reviews as the opposite. Not sure it would be a substantial over the Karat which is no slouch itself. Other cartridge proposals which would be a good fit with the Triplanar would be very welcome (how about a Dynavector XV-1s or XX, a Transfiguration Orpheus or one of Van den Hul cartridges?), even if I should decide to get a new phonostage first.

Thank you for mentioning the Herron which seems interesting. Has anyone been able to compare it to competitors in its price range (such as Allnic H1500, K&K, Manley Chinook or Steelhead, Coincident, Odyssey Suspiro,Tron Seven). Budget is around 4-6 k, less if possible. Also, any specific ideas, apart from the Coincident)for a phonostage with volume control/preamp with built-in phono module) to avoid additional cost and system complexity). I listen to vinyl 95% of my time and only have one other source, so this seems a reasonable idea.

Last but not least, any idea what kind of improvement over the Modwright I can hope for?

I know your phono stage and cartridge well. The Modwright is an excellent unit which can easily accommodate a better cartridge. The Dyna XV1S is great. At lesser cost the Ortofon Windfeld which I own or the Cadenza Black are both excellent.

I own the Herron VTPH2 and I love it but IMHO you will get more from a cartridge upgrade.