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Which to upgrade first: Turntable or Phono Preamp

Hi, I just recently got back into vinyl about 8 months ago after switching to digital 30+ years ago.  My current setup is as follows:
 - Pro-ject Classic Turntable
 - Hana ML cartridge
 - Vincent PHO 701 phono preamp

I'm very happy with the Hana, but am thinking about upgrading either the turntable or the phono stage.   Although I'm not entirely unhappy with the current setup.   Just going through some upgrade fever I guess.   The question I have is which one do you think I should upgrade first:  Turntable or the Phone stage?

I'm thinking about the Clearaudio Concept turntable and the PS Audio Stellar phono stage, but I'm open to suggestion.   I'm hoping to spend under 3k on either.

Anyway, the real question is whether anyone thinks which upgrade will give me more bang for the buck: Turntable or Phono stage?

Thanks very much in advance.
xcool

Showing 2 responses by jeffrey75

jeffrey75's avatar
jeffrey75
110 posts
 
+1 for a PolyTable Signature and just important Merrill's motor drive system is one of a handful of affordable TT  I would consider switching to from my vintage TT but with tonearm added to the mix it is just shy of 5k.

OP if your Classic turntable is the newer design with aluminum sub platter and good speed control variances keep it if not move up to a TT that is quieter with better speed control.

From left field, any TT that is AC motor controlled can use a Long Dog Audio Quartz TT power supply I am truly amazed that it would make that big of a difference.
jeffrey75's avatar
jeffrey75
110 posts
 
Direct Drive TT can suffer from "cogging" where electric servo motor is applying force on-off-on etc. to spin platter but this was mainly a issue for cheaper model DD's and had been virtually eliminated in reference vintage DD's this is not a issue in current designs. Servo motors "hunting and pecking" for correct speed can and will introduce noise but this is up for debate as to what effect it has on overall sound. Any TT whether it is belt or thread driven, idler wheel, rim drive or DD has some kind of issue it is trying overcome to spin it's platter at a consistent 33.3 RPM, pick you poison.
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