Should I purchase an expensive phono preamp

Any that you would recommend?

I have a 5.1 system with Paradigm speakers. I don't recall the model numbers but the front speakers are much bigger than the surrounds. These were purchased in the mid 90's

NsGarch
Are all of the cables you mentioned low capacitance? What exactly do you consider to be low capacitance? I am having a hard time finding the capacitance for these interconnects as it does not seem to advertised on most of the sites relating to the products. Also, do you have any recommendations as to where to purchase these interconnects (except for the Audioquest which seems to be readily available on several websites).

I ended up deciding to go with the Bellari. Any suggestions for interconnects? Also, thinking about investing in a couple of different tubes. Any suggestions on where to buy them?

Its the cable that came with the tonearm and turntable (bought used on Audiogon). Doen't look to be very high quality.

In an earlier post I stated that I have Paradigm speakers. The system was set up originally as a 5.1 surround sound home theater with the Pioneer Elite AV Receiver (with built in phonostage). DVD's and CD's sound pretty good. I had one of the cheap $200 turntables that went bad (have 300+ lp's) and when I started looking at replacing it I was astounded at how far tt's had come. After research I was able to get the Nottingham with the Rega arm from Audiogon. After being satisfied initially, I noticed that (like described by others) I had to turn down the treble and turn up the bass on most lp's to get the sound I wanted. So the step I am at now is get a stand alone phono stage.

Ok. It's a year later and I have upgraded the receiver to an Arcam AVR 300. So the question is, do I upgrade the TT, arm, cartridge or phono preamp. I have a Nottingham Horizon TT with the Rega 250 arm, Goldring 1012 MM cartridge and the Bellari VP129 phono stage. I am thinking about the Ear 834p and upgrading the cartridge at this point. I am wondering about the arm and possibly moving up to the Spacedeck.