Got A Turntable...What Next?


I inherited my deceased dad's vintage TT , speakers and
large classical vinyl collection. He died in 92 and the stuff was still in his basement in perfect condition just
like he left it.I am now taking care of my 87 year old
mom with Alzheimers and decided to get his rig back up and running. I brought over an old receiver with a phono stage
and a friend lent me an AT cart just to see how things sounded. Now its three months later and the system has grown with used gear as shown below.

Thorens TD-125 w/SME 3009 II
Shelter 501 mk2
PS Audio GCPH
Decware SE 341.2 (6 watt) tube w/ NOS Amperex Holland
Altec Lansing "Laguna"
http://www.vintage-audio.com.ua/en/cat/68/1469.html

I am really enjoying the vinyl experience again, have a cleaning machine and i am doing it the right way.

My questions are:
I want to upgrade to a better sounding system.....should i keep any of my present gear? I feel the speakers are the weak link, they have a wonderful mid-range but lack a little in high end and bass.
Any opinions? My budget is 8-10k. Used gear is fine.
I listen to mostly classic rock, blues and some classical.
128x128edtyre

Showing 3 responses by edtyre

Thanks everyone for your valued suggestions.
Plato & Restock: I am not getting rid of the speakers or TT
I am going to try a more powerful amp first. Any you can recommend?
Raul: Yes, i am interested in a better phono amp w/tubes
any suggestions? I agree that eventually i will move to a better unit so why not enjoy the better quality for now.

Restock:
About the Shelter cart....It is a NON-forgiving cart,
only really well recorded and pressed LP's
sound really good and other users have noted the very good
midrange and weaker bass. I don't really know which upgrade
path to take here, could use suggestions on which would be
a better match for my arm.

First thing i did before i played one vinyl was buy a RCM.
A Nitty Gritty manual one. Works fine, had one 15 years ago

I agree that trying out different items in my system until
i find the right combination is the way to go. I am not selling anything and i am really enjoying the set-up and playing lots of records every night. Just want to improve
on what i have.
Restock:Mine has a removable headshell.
The first cart i tryed was the AT440ML. The Shelter has much better sound its like night & day.
update:

Recently purchased a Shure SME 3009 II IMP
with Incognito wiring from another Agoner.

This 500.00 upgrade has done wonders for the overall sound.
Have been listening for a while now, what a difference from
the other SME arm and 1973 wiring.

Still looking for improvement, will audition a few more powerful tube amps next. The speakers are staying, but i'm
not so sure about the TT,arm and cart... i think to get to the next level i might have to go with a more modern set-up.