Cartridge or cable upgrade

I would concentrate all efforts on a better cart like the Clearaudio Virtuoso Wood V2 for better audible improvement over the 10X5/Ref 3.2

Just my opinions :-)

Viridian, no question about it, a better TT will be able to hold a better cart. That said, the Pro-ject 5.1SE can handle a better cart than the BP2 an WILL sound much better:

Phono cartridges are incredibly sensitive transducers, so they don't just convert the grooves undulations into sound. The cartridge reads the information off the lp and translates it into something the rest of the stereo system can understand and play as music.

The quality of the audio signal depends on cartridge. That is why using a good cartridge is important, as this determines the quality of the sound.

Better cart = better reproduction of music.

Your system is good enough, actually really good. Try a better cart first, then experiment with cables, isolation, mats, clamps, etc.

I also agree with Bpoletti, the Audio Technica OC-9/II will be hard to beat at its price point if you can get a step-up device or phono stage that can handle it.

Again, agreed with both Mattmiller and Zd542,
There are many cables out there better than the antis at a more affordable price.

You got it all wrong, your TT is NOT your weakest link, your cart IS!
Second weakest link, your cables.
Third, your phono pre.
Fourth, your TT.
Everything else (mat, clamp, isolation, etc.) is really trial and error!

Logic Zd543.

The 5.1 is more than capable of holding a better cart.
A better cart will always improve sound quality.
A better cable will help bring the best out of the signal.
A better phono pre will help the cart do it's magic.

IMHO, I rather have a decent TT with top cart than the other way around.

Been there, done that many times. In all possible analog combinations I've tried over the past 20 years, a better cart/ phono pre/IC improved the reproduction of the music more so than a better TT with cart/phono pre/IC of lesser quality.

Which one you think will be able to retrieve more information and reproduce better sound quality?

5.1 SE/Pearwood Celebration II/AQ Jaguar/Pro-ject Phono Box RS

10.1/BP/Anti Cables/LSA Statement Integrated MM Phono Pre

I'll take the first combination in a heart beat. My personal opinion, just that.

Not sure where you want to go with your last question Zd542. This thread has nothing to do with MC vs MM carts. My two cents, I lived very happily with a DV10x5 for a few years. However, the Virtuoso Wood was a revelation to my ears. Lyra Delos is now my reference cart.

Back to Simao's thread and the question remains:

Should I upgrade the cable or the cart first?

My answer still remains the same - a better MM cart like the Virtuoso Wood will bring new life to his system. More so than a better cable.

Agreed with Zd542,
There is a significant sonic difference upgrading to a 10x5, more so upgrading to a 20XL, even more so upgrading to a Virtuoso, especially with not so expensive ancillary equipment.

Junk in, junk out! Your entire system is pretty good and you will have to spend around $2,500 - $3,000 to get a much better table. The 5.1 may be a limiting factor if you want to try a Lyra Kleos but for sub $1,000 is good enough.