What to upgrade to?


I will be retiring at the end of the year or earlier depending on the Covid virus.  Anyway I am looking for that last upgrade to my system.  I will be looking at either upgrading my analog system or loudspeaker.  I have about 10k in a complete turntable and my speakers retailed for 12k about 5 years.  Both I could live with in retirement and be quite happy. But I have $15k - $20k to spend if I want to on either upgrading my turntable or speakers.  What would you upgrade? Turntable or speakers?
bobheinatz

Showing 15 responses by bobheinatz

Chakster,
Thanks for your reply.  I have looked at Zu and my amp would work perfectly.  Btw I purposely didn't list my table or speakers because they both are excellent. I just would like to hear other people's take on which made better sense to upgrade.  Some say source is #1 others argue speakers make the biggest difference. Thanks for your recommendation.
Yogiboy I have a Artisan Fidelity Lenco table with a SME arm and Intuitive Design Gammas speakers.
Both perform at a high level for their price.  Almost no one is familar with my speakers that's why I didn't want to mention the table and speakers.  3 Easy Payment thanks for your opinion.  I could move up the Artisan Fidelity chain with a trade in.  Always a option.  Keep them coming.
SME V arm.  The phono stage is a built into the preamp m.  It's a Deja Vu custom pre and the phono section is outstanding.
Clio09

Something from Duke would be very interesting.  I had forgot about his work.
So some of you have identified my situation.  My speakers, turntable,
preamp and amps are all very good.  The system sounds great and is evenly balanced.  My real delima is I have the cash to spend on a real nice upgrade but what would be the best upgrade!  It is killing me having saved for quite awhile but there seems no clear path on which component upgrade.  One moment I am convinced I need different speakers the next moment it a new TT.  There has been some great suggestions and knowledge from you guys thanks.  Still open to any recommendations.
antinn,
Very thoughtout suggestions.  My AF Table has all the upgrades available for that Lenco model.  There are two other AF Lenco models which would be a really nice upgrade according to Chris at Artisan Fidelity.  So that's a option and certainly a more expensive cartridge is always available.  You are right on with the manufacturing costs in the last 10 years.  It wasn't that long ago when a $10k speaker was considered expensive but it seems like $30k is the new norm.  The Joseph line is one that I am familiar with and also like.  Thanks for your input.
Tvad thanks for the recommendation of Daedalus Apollos.  I do live in the PNW so visiting Lou is a very viable option. Not interested in music streaming at this time.  
I owned a pair of Innersound Eros 3 which was his company before he started Sanders.  They were outstanding speakers and I am sure his new one's are much better.
I have gotten some great recommendations and one mentioned above is a second arm on my table. It is slotted for a 12" arm so that is a possibility.  It has also been mentioned by a few that are familiar with my Intuitive Design Gammas that they are excellent speakers and changing speakers might not necessarily be a upgrade.  I agree they do sound really good.
I don't necessarily want to spend the money just because it's there.  I can always add a better power cord or tube roll.  Sure there are other tweaks that can be made to my system. I guess possibly going to a few dealers or shows and listening to some speakers is a option.  
Again thanks to everyone who has replied.  Any other suggestions I am full ears.
Millercarbon I am all ears.  What tweaks do you recommend?  

Solypsa thanks for your opinion on a second turntable.  Yes that would be fun but just don't have the room for two turntables.
I would like to thank everyone who has participated on my thread.  There were alot of great suggestions.  I was pleasantly surprised that there were a few who has heard my speakers and know of Dale's work.  After listening last night I can reaffirm the the Intuitive Design speakers are extremely good.  
I have decided to upgrade my cartridge and see how that upgrade works before looking at anything else.  Perhaps a serious cartridge upgrade will be all that's needed.
Creativepart, I am 99% a vinyl guy. I am not sure about a $10,000+ cartridge but I bet it would sound sound incredible.
Johnss,  My custom builtin phono stage on my Deja Vu preamp is very good and I will stay with it even though I am sure there can be better options.
Raul thanks for the list of cartridges.  All of those you listed would be a real nice improvement.