I have owned a WTT Classic (round motor and black damped platter)for 10 years. Your cartridge is a "good value" but hardly the last statement in sound reproduction. I have used Benz Ruby 2s for all ten years and I use a Signal Guard (sadly out of business)as the isolation platform with Purest Audio Museus Interconnects and a Hovland HP100 MC Preamp. If correctly set up, and you are correct, set-up is tedious because of the viscous fluid in the arm well, the results can be near state of the art. You must use a digital scale and have endless patience over the course of a couple of days to get all settings right while letting the fluid settle between each adjustment. A footnote here, I am finally purchasing another TT/Arm for a lot more money. Some of my friends think I am crazy when they hear my current rig. That's how good the WTT is.
What to expect in a TT upgrade?
I've owned a well tempered classic table for many years. I've enjoyed it but have always found it a bit challenging to set up. (make sure the cartridge is alligned properly)I think consequently, I've never gotten the performance out of it I should have. Recently, I purchased a new pre that came with a really nice phone stage. (Joule) I've been considering purchasing a new table/arm or purchasing a new cartridge such as a shelter 501. My budget for the table/arm/cartridge would be in the $ 2,500 - $ 3,000 range. Just wondering if anyone has any thoughts about what is the best way to go. If I did get a new table, I would want one that is fairly easy to set up. Thanks for any input on this decision.