@fignuts33 - Well, having spent many years investigating and building cables, the only place I would start is with the cables.
WHY cables?
- good cables convey the most delicate signals and deliver subtle venue acoustics
- mediocre/bad cables introduce interference, which you will easily hear using headphones
- good cables ensure the components are operating to optimum levels - they connect the neutral sides of attached components
- good cables deliver the best image possible
- good cables will deliver excellent dynamic performance
So - I would do the following
- invest in s single run silver harness from the cartridge to the phono stage
- invest in a good phono preamp - I prefer Simaudio Moon phono amps - great bang for the buck
- invest in great cables from the phono stage to the preamp
- Only then would I consider upgrading other equipment
Good cables will allow you to really hear the improvements as you upgrade other components.
What are good cables?
- Take a read of this thread Audiogon Discussion Forum
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The cable companies I typically recommend include
- Zavfino - there silver cables are great bang for the buck - very dynamic
- In-Akustik - very quiet
- Hijiri - excellent cables, but expensive
Regards - Steve