So much bad advice it truly boggles the mind. Unless you upgrade from the Pioneer Elite you will spend money spinning your wheels. What Grado MM, I assume, (you wrote "nm") cartridge and stylus are you using? It has to start there. The Yamaha tt may not be awful but the cartridge determines everything, even if you keep the Pioneer Elite for the time.
What is a good turntable preamp under $500?
I am dipping my toes in analog and want to upgrade my turntable preamp for a second system. I currently have a cheap Cambridge Audio preamp that I think cost just over $100. I am using a Pioneer Elite receiver. At the time I just wanted to see if I could get my old Gerrard turntable up and running. Sound is pretty mediocre. Would I notice much difference if I went up to to something $300-$500. I have a high end digital system in my main rig. I don’t need to go to that level but would like to improve it some. Any you would recommend?