What's the weakest link in my stereo set up? I live in a townhome, so limited on space.

Can the JN-P500 fit onto the body of the MP-150? If so, that may be an extremely economical way to get some upgrades without swapping out audio.

My TT already has isolation feet on it (put on by KAB), so I think we are good on that side.

Floors are solid hardwood. No carpet. I can possibly add some sound dampening to the walls, but I have no idea about placement.

I do have the turntable turned to face the width of the townhouse (i.e. facing the wall that is a shorter distance). If I am able to convince the wife to turn the turntable and the whole set up to be facing the further walls (i.e. go the length of the townhome instead of the width), would that be an improvement? i.e. more space means the sound doesn't immediately bounce off a wall.

Cables on the turntable are what KAB put on when they upgraded the table about five years ago. They are better than stock, but I honestly have no idea how to find out the "brand" and "make".

The power cord goes to an external speed controller that KAB also gave me.

Sounds like getting a new cart is an easy sell. I’ll go with the new needle first.

Next, since I like my Focals, I’ll see if there are better bookshelves out there than the ones I have now that have been discontinued for some time.

About subs, I’ve never looked into it because, as noted, space is a major factor.  I cannot simply put the sub in front of the cabinet since that’s walking space.

Putting a sub into an empty cabinet space is a hard pass too, right? My cabinet is both open on the front and back, so heat is not an issue. I’ve had my phono and stereo amp on one of my cabinet’s shelves for years now and have no issues at all.

@elliottbnewcombjr , I'm in the Baltimore region.

@lanx0003, as a lot of other people have said, I worry a sub is not correct for a townhome.

I made a virtual system: https://www.audiogon.com/systems/11930

My room is not perfectly walled in (i.e. there's stairs that go up to the next floor at the end of one wall, plus I have bay windows so that juts out a bit), but for simplicity I'm 22.5' L, 12.5' W, and with 9.5' ceilings.

All, thanks so much for the feedback and suggestions so far. I will take pictures of my living room tomorrow and post them here.

I have a upgrade stylus for my MP150 on the way:)

Looking at ISO acoustic bookshelf stands. Also a SVS subwoofer. 

@grislybutter my new cartidge for my MP-150 should be here tomorrow. I'm popping it on and ensuring my tonearm adjustments immediately, then going to toss something like early Dream Theater on to see if things sound different.

@travelinjack it's funny you mention the SVS 3000 Micro because I am thinking about getting it! It has good reviews, it has come up in a lot of research I've done, and even Crutchfield rep recommended it when I talked to them.

The rep also said that I shouldn't have to worry about my cabinet vibrating with this little sub either, but if it does I can just add some isolation feet on it.

If the sub does vibrate my cabinet, would it be insane to put the sub to the SIDE of my cabinet? That would mean it wouldn't be between where my two bookshelf speakers are... but that's the best I could do since I cannot put it behind or in front of my little Ikea Kallax cabinet.

@travelinjack got my sub in. Definitely need to crawl around on the floor to find the best spot. My wife is going to look at me like I'm crazy. 

@sudnh I use Blue Jean cables for both speakers and interconnects. I've read many times they are not low end, but I'm also not spending hundreds of bucks on cables. 

Is there a brand you would recommend me try that is also "entry level high end" that isn't a laughable price?

I say this because 90% of thr cable threads I've read say most of the times it's snake oil. 

I'm interested in the times it's not. 

@ghdprentice 

I took a look at DH. The prices are not terrible, but they have multiple cables for what type of sound you want. I am not that well versed in sound to know if I want ones that are warm, emphasis highs, etc.

I think cables are a water I shouldn't wade into without knowing what I'm doing.

@ghdprentice I appreciate your recommendation on speaker cable. Do you have a good recommendation for interconnects?