Synergy

@rauliruegas 

When I went digital, everything including the turntable was processed digitally. The only thing added since then (1995) was digital RIAA correction. 

Living is learning and as you move along the audio evolutionary curve you learn about component interactions and problems you did not expect that require solutions. 

My main speakers will be bi amped not tri amped. This allows me to get rid of the RC network between the two transformers and use an amp that will handle the very low impedance of ESLs at high frequencies. I know of no better amp to drive the midbass and midrange of ESLs than the Atma-Sphere MA 2s. They are capable of putting more power into ESLs at those frequencies than any other amp. The problem is they have an output impedance of 1.7 ohms and the ESLs drop well below that at high frequencies thus the high frequencies roll of after 12 kHz. It is a very popular combination usually only affordable by older gentlemen that have already lost their hearing above that frequency. Only solid state amps have the ultra low output impedances that will drive ESLs at high frequencies effectively, thus the odd combination.  

You may have arrived at your destination. I am still enjoying the trip.

@avanti1960 

I know the Hana is very highly regarded.  I think that I might have messed up the original setup by the technician, causing a drop in performance.

@mijostyn 

The SoundSmith sounds very good. However I’m a little concerned about the low output.  I know I can boost it with my phon, but  I think I would prefer a higher output.

@mijostyn  : " I am still enjoying the trip." I'm not questioning you bu it's weird that a gentleman as you ( I consider you as an experienced audiophile. ) and till all your audio years " still in the trip " and in the orther side it's weird rtoo that you comment nothing about " continuty ". No matters what tube signal proccessin is different to the SS alternative where each one has its own signature same happens with digital/analog domains.

Continuity it's not if " this or that " is better in a frequency range: NO, continuity is not a a tree but the whole forest.

Anyway, only a simple opinion that obviously can't help you.

R.

@rvpiano 

Then go with The Voice or the Aida, both are high output. I ran the Voice for about a year. I gave it to a friend for his Birthday after I got a phono stage that ran low impedance moving coils only. The Voice is an excellent cartridge and it has no major flaws. I have a Soundsmith Hyperion MR now and it is easily one of the best cartridges I have heard in a while, better than most and second to none. It is tied with several cartridges IMHO. From a technical perspective it really has no peers.