Just another response of someone suggesting random components to look at, but for an affordable phono stage check out the Project Tube Box S2 and replace the tubes with Gold Lions. Definitely a big step up compared to a basic phono in an integrated amp and really fleshes out a great sound when paired with most any cartridge. It's certainly not the best in the world but it'll allow you to not need an upgrade for quite a while and still allows a big budget for the rest of the system.
Recommend an Entry Level Turntable (And maybe an integrated Amp)
I've been wanting to upgrade my system for a long time now.
My system currently consists of a pair of B&W 630's, an old Denon 50 watt reciever (DRA-550) from the mid 80's, and a Marantz 5004 cd player. I'm pretty happy with all three.
I'm looking to get into vinyl and The Project Debut Carbon turntable was recommended. I listened to it but wasn't amazed by it. So I sent it back.
I then called my local audio store and the salesman said that if the system sounds good with cds but not with the turntable then the weak link is probably the phono pre amp.
So, he recommended the NAD C388 integrated amp which has the added benefit of more power (150 watts per channel) and bluetooth as well (something I definitely want). He did qualify it by saying that reciever/amp technology hasn't changed much over the years.
He also recommended an upgrade of the turntable cartridge to the Sumiko Rainier.
Just thinking out loud. I'd be open to adding a bluetooth and a new phono preamp to the Denon, but I'm not sure if that would be better.
TIA