Dear @malmc02: I like Magnepan, really good design.
Now and this is me, before change the cartridge there are two changes I will do it if I was the owner of your system:
change the Aria phono stage for a better unit because it does not matters that you buy ( example. ) a Lyra Atlas or VDH Colibri the LOMC/MM cartridge must pass through that phono stage and what any phono stage can do to the best is: not degrades the carrtridge signal but this is imposible to experienced because all phono stages degrades that delicated signal So you need a better phono stage, yours is so so but at lower level than averagi and is " destroying " the cartridge signal.
The good thing in your phono stage is that is a SS active high gain stage and when you decide to change it follow in that SS active high gain road design.
The other area where you can have a system improvements is to add a second subwoofer both connected in true stereo fashion where your Magnepan's will works as the " satellite " ones.
When your system will performs at a higher quality levels then you really can appreciate the investment with a better cartridge.
You don't need to be in a hurry about. It's better to fine tunning your room/audio system first. As I said, this is me.
Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,
R.
Now and this is me, before change the cartridge there are two changes I will do it if I was the owner of your system:
change the Aria phono stage for a better unit because it does not matters that you buy ( example. ) a Lyra Atlas or VDH Colibri the LOMC/MM cartridge must pass through that phono stage and what any phono stage can do to the best is: not degrades the carrtridge signal but this is imposible to experienced because all phono stages degrades that delicated signal So you need a better phono stage, yours is so so but at lower level than averagi and is " destroying " the cartridge signal.
The good thing in your phono stage is that is a SS active high gain stage and when you decide to change it follow in that SS active high gain road design.
The other area where you can have a system improvements is to add a second subwoofer both connected in true stereo fashion where your Magnepan's will works as the " satellite " ones.
When your system will performs at a higher quality levels then you really can appreciate the investment with a better cartridge.
You don't need to be in a hurry about. It's better to fine tunning your room/audio system first. As I said, this is me.
Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,
R.