Which to upgrade first: Turntable or Phono Preamp

So, just a bug to change something, I suggest you try a different cartridge.

Of the three items the OP mentioned, he said he's happy with the cartridge.  Besides that, it's by far the best component he has in his analog chain.  Even if he found something better, it's not going to be anywhere near its full potential on the entry level turntable he owns.

The Jolida JD9 is a noisy entry level phono stage that is not very well built. It's a decent entry into the world of tubes, and reasonably priced.  I haven't heard the OP's phono stage, but owned a Vincent integrated and the build quality and sonics were much better than the Jolida products I have owned (JD9, JD9 MKII, Fusion preamp).  A sideways move at best, more than likely a downgrade.

Dear friends: Who of you that are against the OP TT own or owned that same combination:

Pro-ject Classic Turntable
 - Hana ML cartridge          ? ? ?

Then if you owned then share your first hand experiences with the OP and if not why diminished it in that hard way ! ! ? ?

R.

Get the Technics 1200GR.

If getting a phono stage first:
I like really like my Project phono box RS $1700 with outboard self-charging battery power supply. Has XLR outs, is very quiet and detail rich. It is dual mono...settings for both channels and can load capacitance down to 100. Also has 3 gain settings.

Dear @millercarbon :   "   vs pure tubey magic... "

certainly you have a wide " imagination " because that " magic " just does not exist and never existed. Can you prove it its existence with true repétitive  facts?

R.

big_greg

OP said: "Just going through some upgrade fever I guess".

OP says happy with the Hana. OK, but we can still suggest ideas.

I was very happy with my MM Shure/SAS cartridge, then after much resistance, and encouragement here, I tried a MC, via SUT to existing beloved tube phono. Sure GLAD I had my resistance broken!

I still use my old Shure on a separate arm.

My MC choice was based on both wider channel separation and tighter center balance than the Shure. It’s imaging is why I prefer it.

IOW, a different cartridge, as an addition to the Hana, will give the largest audible difference.

IMO, a better TT/ARM is essentially ’to do less’ i.e. less vibration, less speed variation, better transmission of groove/stylus down the wire. While ’advisable’ an audible improvement detected, the system sound will be essentially the same.

I never saw or heard OP’s Vincent or a Jolida, I looked online, both very versatile, quickie search decent reviews, within OP’s budget, seemed to me just keep the Vincent.

Any phono stage change really needs return option, their sound in ____ system is not easily predictable.

this looks interesting, MM and MC phono, but no returns

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-CARVER-C-1-Sonic-Holography-Preamplifier-w-BOX-Paperwork-NEAR-MINT-...