https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/at-vm95e
1. Upgrade to a better cartridge, I like your idea of 750SH, it will be a big change now, and on any future TT you use it on. 30 db separation; tight 1 db channel balance.
https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/cartridges/type/moving-magnet/vm750sh
2. get a 2nd headshell that allows Azimuth adjustment for the new cartridge
https://www.ebay.com/itm/293416434592?hash=item4450fb7ba0:g:fWQAAOSwq4VeXaps
3. alignment skills are paramount for ANY arm/cartridge, you need those skills now and for the rest of your vinyl life. you need some simple in-expensive tools and practice (with the old cartridge). Especially important for advanced stylus shapes like the 750SH, or any other SAS, Shibata, ML you go with.
how are your skills?
AFTER 1,2,3
4. phono stage, perhaps tubes, tricky, have return option. I say ’preferable’, not ’better’, and you cannot measure preferable, just know when you hear it.
my experience
I used the AT120 built-in phono eq for comparison, until I found one I preferred. Surprisingly I liked it more than my McIntosh SS C22 Preamp’s Phono (even after factory overhaul). Next I tried Cambridge Duo. Nope, back it went. A $14. Pyle as good as the AT120 built-in one, for a temporary solution upstairs in my office. Then, main system: McIntosh mx110z Tube Tuner/Preamp, wonderful phono, if it died I wouldn’t look around, just get another and send it straight to Audio Classics for overhaul. Upstairs, office, built-in MM/MC in new Luxman SQ-N150 Integrated sounds terrific.
5. Then it’s off to a better TT, save the AT120 to use if replacement needs service. Compare to the AT120, prove to yourself your new TT makes a difference.