Preamp or cart first? Maybe if cart first, then decide which way sonically you wish to go. There are so many great cartridge choices - Ortofon, Lyra, Soundsmith, Audio Technica..... If you plan to try different cartridges, then maybe phono-preamp first.
Wish to Upgrade Phono Stage and Cart
My current setup is a Rega P10/Apheta 3 cart sending signal to an Allnic H5500. It sound is very pleasing to my ears.
I placed the Allnic H5500 in front of my vintage Yamaha CR820 and Technics SL1800. Wow. Did not see that coming. I could listen to that all day.
My current setup is a Allnic T2000 30the Anniversary integrated. My Turntable a Rega P10.
I entertained getting an Allnic H8000 dht but feel that's a bit overkill for my system. I'm now entertaining an Allnic H7000 along with a Cart, perhaps Rose or Amber (all in the family) or even the Rega Auro with the Aphelion cart.
I'm not the sophisticated/knowledgable audiophile when it comes to vinyl setups. Too much focus on digital over the years I guess, so I look for advice from this knowlegable forum.