Lost on next upgrade from SME 20/2 + IV.Vi arm ...


I am really struggling on what upgrade to do next. I have several thoughts. Budget is 15k or tops, prefer to keep it to 10k.

1)I could upgrade my BAT 51SE to a BAT REX.
(my thoughts, a good step up, but another box with heat pouring out, another power cord, and a bunch more tubes in a already all tube system)

2)upgrade my vinyl front end. Several thoughts here..

-Keep the SME 20/2, upgrade the arm to a Graham Phantom, Triplanar, or maybe DaVinci/Shroeder.
-Keep the SME 20/2 and SME IV.Vi, upgrade to the Purist anniversary tonearm cable from my current Venustas.
-Trade my VPI 16.5 cleaner in for a Loricraft.
-Trade the SME 20/2 for a TW Acustic Raven AC, keep the SME IV.Vi arm.
-Trade the SME 20/2 for a TW Acustic Raven AC, and get a new arm.
-Trade the SME 20/2 for another table?
-If I trade the table&arm, then what arm?

My system is posted. I'll appreciate all thoughts and comments. I've read about all the posts I can on the arm and table choices I've listed above. I've also emailed a few of you on my selections above.

Also, one choice is to chill out and just enjoy what I have. It's pretty killer as it is. If I want to spend the money still, give it to charity or church.

Thanks in advance!
128x128jfrech
Dear Jfrech: First I would like to ask why do you want to make an up-grade? what do you don't like about the quality sound reproduction through your analog chain?
do you want to up-grade/change only for change or do you have precise subjects about?

Now, IMHO there are two areas/stages that could help you to an up-grade:
different tonearm/cartridge combination and a better Phonolinepreamp, no I don't think that a TT change or cable change could give you a higher quality improvement over the other two areas that I name it.

You own a very good TT that compete with any thing out there, your Skala is very good performer too but you can change it or try it in a different tonearm where it could find a better match ( ask about to JC ) and a change in your BAT line/phono electronics that as good they are the quality that you are hearing ( degraded ) is the cable and connectors between both units: a good and better ( design/performer ) integral Phonolinepreamp could help you.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
Get a pair of bigger speakers. Your current speakers are too small for your room.
Trade it all in and invest in a Walker,the last table you ever buy.It is on a planet of its own,if you are that serious about your vinyl.
Robert
Hi Jfrech, Have you tried varying the height of the 20's suspension between itself and the towers. The manual recommends 3mm with the 3mm spacer but I have had different results with anything between 3mm and 5mm. Try it by turning the suspension by half turns clockwise. This works because the bearings is suspended in a bath of silicon fluid under the deck. By raising the suspension up you are effectively reducing the damping and hence changing the sounds. Worth a try on takes a second.

Jonathan.