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 1 response by pindac

Going for a Phonostage will potentially have the influence on the System in use, to allow the System to reveal its full potential.
I am in agreement that the suspected improvements to be heard through a addition of a Phon' will be a very positive and impressive experience. 

A Curve Ball suggestion as a Phonostage to consider looking at and could prove to be well within your Budget is a Mr Nixie DIGNA.
The DIGNA is a Multi Adjustable MM/MC Design,  produced in Germany by a very experienced EE with a history in Designing/Producing State of the Art Recording Equipment for an Established Company.

I have the Original DIGNA  with me for nearly four years, as a standard version with the ECC 8100 Tubes, it has proven itself as a very worthy Phon' when demonstrated in Bake Off's against other designs that have a much increased asking price. 
It received a very good appraisal from an audience at a Bake of where some of the attendees are prominent in the UK HiFi Industry.

My DIGNA has also undergone a Producer Approved Modifcation to enable the use of other Tubes.
I am using Two E88CC Tubes and in my view and others who have become familiar with the Phon', the use of E88CC's has moved the presentation to a complete new Level.
Under this guise it was on a extended loaned to a Local HiFi Group and this become there go to Phon' for their Pre COVID Bi Monthly Meetings. 

The Latest versions of the DIGNA come remain with all the very usable adjustments options, as well as a built in Switch for Selecting Valve Types.
There are a few added ancilliaries as well, such as a Power Supply Upgrade or a DC Filter.

It took a Bespoke Designed and Built Phonostage produced for myself,
to have the DIGNA that I own put in the place of a Second Phonostage.
The DIGNA still impresses, and just recently I purchased a very rare set of Vintage E88CC's for it.