Upgrade Advice cart or phono pre amp

Hi goldenear.

I am curious of the opinions on this myself. If $700 is your budget for an upgrade, is this a small or substantial increase over your present cart and pre?

To a large extent it will depend on the tonearm you're using.

For instance, if the Music Hall MMF-5 shown in your system is in fact the current tonearm, most $700 cartridges would be a waste of money.

That arm is basically entry level and incapable of optimizing most of the cartridges at your price point.

YMMV

Knowing more about your current phonosatge and cartridge would help.

I'm with Bill. Sell the MMF-5 and buy a turntable and cartridge in the $1000.00 to $1500.00 Range. Marantz TT-15 (Clearaudio made with the Clearaudio cartridge), Rega P25 or P5 with Dynavector 10X5 or AT150MLX, older VPI MKlll with nice arm and cartridge, Technics SL-1200 with mods, there are even Linn LP-12s at this price point if you are handy.