What to upgrade first for better sound quality?


What is going to give me the most improvement in sound quality. I am an analog guy only. Current equipment is a MAC MA6600, VPI Prime w/ortofon 2m Black MM cartridge and revel f-30 speakers. While I have been on the fence with adding a separate phono stage as mine only has a MM one I wonder if I am better off upgrading speakers, cartridge and/or phono pre. Thanks for your opinions.
rkbcpa55

Showing 2 responses by rkbcpa55

Yes I have the MAC MA6600 retail $6,500. My first inclination was to get an external phono amp that could run both MM and MC cartridges. This way I could use my current cartridge later upgrading to a MC. I was leaning towards either the Herron VTPH-2, Chinook or an AR. Biggest issue here was matching up with input impedance of only 20k. Herron looked like it might be the way to go. I do think about going tube at some point and don't believe I really 200w per channel. Listening room is say 12x18. This hobby can be daunting at times but I love it.
Yes that is what I have for equipment. But before I upgrade to MC cartridge I need phono stage. Since the MAC has a low input impedance on line stages of 20k I need to make sure it is compatible. Right now I'm leaning towards the Herron VTPH-2 but am still looking for other options too.