What's the weak link in my system?


     I've pieced together the best budget system I could afford over the years but I'm just not thrilled with the sound I'm getting. Can anyone help me identify the weakest link (s) in my system so I can upgrade? I only have the budget to upgrade one piece at this time. I'm most interested in listening to vinyl.
Currently Configured:

Pro-ject Genie 1.3 Turntable w/ Sumiko Pearl Cartridge
Bellari VP 130 Phono Pre w/ Tung-Sol Tube & Replaced Power Supply  
Marantz CD 6006 CD Player
Parasound P3 Stereo Preamp
Parasound A23 Power Amp
PSB T6 Platinum Speakers
Bluesound Node
AKG K702 Headphones
Audioquest Daimondback Interconnects
Audioquest Rocket 33 Speaker Wire

Also Have:
NAD C235BEE Integrated AMP
Monitor Silver RS6 Speakers
Marantz SA8260 SACD Player (Used to sound great but doesn't work consistently - not sure if worth having repaired)
Musical Fidelity V Can Headphone Amp


So.... I think I have put together the best possible system configuration using what I have. What would be the weakest link / first to upgrade? Turntable? Phono Pre? Pre-Amp? Suggestions of products to upgrade to without breaking the bank? I've accumulated a bunch of stuff but I'm really a novice so any and all feedback would be greatly appreciated!   

jdm11

Showing 5 responses by inna

It certainly might. I just didn't want to say that your entire analog rig could use a big improvement. In my mind, upgrading turntable is a serious step, almost as serious as upgrading speakers. Ususally, most people keep their good turntables for a long time so it would make sense to do a big upgrade, not just one or two steps.
Hard to tell. Do you use any power conditioner?
I would probably get motor controller for the turntable first, then think about trying some passive or active power conditioner, then better cartridge and phono stage, then cables and power cords.
Problem with big turntable upgrade is that soon after that you will want to follow up with cartridge, phono stage and tonearm cable upgrades. But if you are thinking about it, I would not upgrade either cartridge or phono stage right now, especially the latter.
You scare the man with big $$$, though I know what you are talking about. I'll just say what I have. Some will think it is all junk, though in fact it is not, it sounds very acceptable with enough room for improvement. Everything except the cartridge was bought used:
Nottingham Analogue Spacedeck/Spacearm - $1350.
Goldring 1042 MM cartridge - $375 from the UK.
Acoustech PH-1 phono stage - $650.
Purist Audio Colossus cable from phono to integrated amp - $330.
This set-up is hard to find used but I took my time.