Turntable Upgrade From Modded Audio Note TT-1


I have an Audio Note TT-1 with a Michell Tecnoarm and Micro Benz Glider H running through an Avid Pellar phono stage powered by a Music Hall Cruise Control 2.0. I've also done a couple popular mods to the TT (ie, added rope calk beneath arm board and metal support beam, and replaced the cheap rubber feet with Mapleshade Heavy Feet). I'm pretty happy with the set-up but still have that itch that I could maybe do better. For <$2000 what would be the most prudent upgrade to get to the next level or two?

I've thought about a new phono stage (Rogue Audio Ares or Triton, Avid Pulsus, Audio Note L3 phono kit), new or used TT w/ or without arm (Michell Tecnodec or used Gyro SE keeping the Tecnoarm, used VPI HW-IV or Classic I, demo Well Tempered Amadeus), different cartridge...anyone with experience with similar set-ups?

Rest of the system: Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum, Sonics Anima speakers, REL Strata III sub, Harmonic Tech. speaker cables and interconnects, PS Audio AC-5 and 10s.

Thanks
shumazing

Showing 4 responses by shumazing

If you think the weak link is the phono stage and/or cartridge, any suggestions on both and opinions on the ones I listed?

Also, how much would I have to spend and/or which TTs should I look at to get a significantly better table than the Audio Note?
Yes, I'm partial to tubes of course and would love to temper the upgrade-itis with a nice tube phono pre for a while, since it seems I'd need to spend more than my budget on a new/used TT to see a significant improvement in that department. I'll keep an eye out for a used Manley or Herron, since I really can't stretch the funds for a while. Any experience with the Rogue Audio Ares or EAR 834 as well?
Would a used Michell Gyrodec with the newer power supply be an upgrade from the Audio Note TT-1?