Feickert Volare + Shick 9 + Hana Umami Red

At the level you were previously at, I wonder what will be the more appreciated sonic  "upgrade?"

Schick w/new phonostage or Kuzma/existing phonostage?

My guess is arm less dramatic than a different phonostage.

"Kuzma Stogi 9 in. gimbaled tonearm"

What model is that?

" you're undervaluing the strength of the Sutherland"

No-that's why I mentioned in my statement  "at the level you were previously at"

You have an already good setup. But going forward,  you're entering the subtle results, but wide wallet opening zone. which is why I'm curious if a completely different phono pre -tube might be heard as a more noticeable/likeable difference?

Perhaps I may be way off, and the new arm is a significant upgrade-more so than the phonostage at equivalent monetary investment. 

Either way- you're "closer." Happy listening.

Happy listening.

"I'm also looking at a Primaluna tube phonostage"

Mine is a week old. Found a barely used one at significant discount.

I have  a tubed unit in the shop, originally was getting an inexpensive SS unit for the time being. PL was an impulse buy because of price/brand reputation.

To my ears its everything the reviews(not many) mention.  It is quieter than my Fosgate. SQ is about the same until a side by side comparison is done. 

If you're a press your ear against the speaker type to listen for tube hiss, go with  something other than the PL. Otherwise, the performance/build is what to expect from the brand.

Years ago, I demoed that Zesto model in my setup. That's an okay price, but they show up now and then used for less.

Looks like a solid package, along with the rest of your setup.

Enjoy it.

Future upgrade- go up the food chain with the phonostage.

Hear what that $3K cart is  capable of with something next level-demo something, if possible.