Doesn't you dad have the ARC REF 3?? I would think you'd try to find a cartridge to work with it & one you like, and drop the phono pre from the signal path. Sometimes, though, I realize that's not possible.
which would you replace first?
My father is looking to improove his Vinyl set-up which consists of Soutmaster (STOCK) a Benz MC cart (the $600 model...red "ACE"?) and a Musical Surroundings Phonomena stage with Kimber Hero cables. Between the stage and cart what would give most bang for the buck in the $1500 price range if we only want to replce 1 of the 2 at this time. Thanks as always...............HAPPY NEW YEAR