I had a Carbon, after getting back into vinyl. I finally upgraded pretty substantially from that, but although not ultra high end, enough that it made a substantial difference in enjoyment.
I purchased an acrylic platter for the Carbon. Purchased a Grado Red cartridge, and a Schiit Mani phono pre. All improvements, but I think the Carbon has a ceiling in spending on ‘pieces and parts’, as the table itself and tonearm will always be limiting factor to increase enjoyment.
If I were you, I would spend more for a cartridge, something like the Soundsmith Otello, or similar; Sumiko Moonstone, Nakaoka 150, etc. But in my opinion, not sure I would spend much more than that. Then leave the phono pre alone right now. A better new cart will probably make more an initial impact. Then see if you want to invest in a better pre.
I guess the question is, what are you trying to improve? What are you unhappy with? Bottom line, honestly, you will need to invest much more overall to get substantially better playback from vinyl. I just believe the Carbon, as a table and arm, will have limitations on improvements.
I purchased an acrylic platter for the Carbon. Purchased a Grado Red cartridge, and a Schiit Mani phono pre. All improvements, but I think the Carbon has a ceiling in spending on ‘pieces and parts’, as the table itself and tonearm will always be limiting factor to increase enjoyment.
If I were you, I would spend more for a cartridge, something like the Soundsmith Otello, or similar; Sumiko Moonstone, Nakaoka 150, etc. But in my opinion, not sure I would spend much more than that. Then leave the phono pre alone right now. A better new cart will probably make more an initial impact. Then see if you want to invest in a better pre.
I guess the question is, what are you trying to improve? What are you unhappy with? Bottom line, honestly, you will need to invest much more overall to get substantially better playback from vinyl. I just believe the Carbon, as a table and arm, will have limitations on improvements.