@williewonka great questions to consider and challenge me on. I'm thinking jumping quite a bit up the chain to the new Cart would lend a wider, more open detailed sound. As for the phono stage, I can't say what I'd notice to be honest, with the exception that I would be adding a balanced connection on the new phono stage. Lastly the table, I am constantly reading that TT should be "speed" controlled which the Ovation would do. Again in truth, perhaps I'm looking for my last table and feel the level of the Ovation would accomplish that and not leave me wondering. Does that make sense? I know there are many other TT brands, but based on what my dealer sells and sets up for me, Clear Audio is the one I'm most impressed with.