There are a lot of folks who believe the Denon DL-103 is the most musical cartridge available for under $1000. I own one and love it. Don't be so quick to change it.
I think you may be able to squeeze out significantly more performance with an outboard phono stage. I can't find any specs on the Elicit's phono board, but if it doesn't allow for adjustable gain and loading, you probably aren't hearing the DL-103 at its best.
If it were me, I would keep the DL-103 for now and put $750 or so toward a new phono stage. The Dynavector and Ear are very good, certainly. But I tend to think the Denon goes better with tubes.
You might consider spending $699 on the Pro-Ject Tube Box SE and another $100-$200 on NOS tubes. I also hold the Millett Hybrid Phono Stage from Todd The Vinyl Junkie in high regard. It's $850.
I suspect that, with the Dynavector or Ear, you will get greater detail and finesse. With the Pro-Ject or TTVJ, ou'll get a smoother, silkier sound and a much larger and deeper soundstage.
Either way, yes, I think the investment would be worth it.
I think you may be able to squeeze out significantly more performance with an outboard phono stage. I can't find any specs on the Elicit's phono board, but if it doesn't allow for adjustable gain and loading, you probably aren't hearing the DL-103 at its best.
If it were me, I would keep the DL-103 for now and put $750 or so toward a new phono stage. The Dynavector and Ear are very good, certainly. But I tend to think the Denon goes better with tubes.
You might consider spending $699 on the Pro-Ject Tube Box SE and another $100-$200 on NOS tubes. I also hold the Millett Hybrid Phono Stage from Todd The Vinyl Junkie in high regard. It's $850.
I suspect that, with the Dynavector or Ear, you will get greater detail and finesse. With the Pro-Ject or TTVJ, ou'll get a smoother, silkier sound and a much larger and deeper soundstage.
Either way, yes, I think the investment would be worth it.