What do you usually upgrade first - cartridge or phono stage ?

Yeah, power cords can make big difference. Good for me that I have full function integrated amp, one cord. I just put Purist Dominus Ferox that I had and all seemed right.

If your on a pretty high level....then be happy with what you have...or get a Q tip and clean your ears.Tge results will be amazing. 

MY ENT says listen to what my mother told me as a child, and don't stick things in your ears. She (the ENT) warns using Q-tips can do more harm than good, potentially pushing wax buildup further into the ears. 

She checks my ears when I go for checkups and removes extra wax the safe way. I have a tendency for build-up in my right ear.

I tend to get wax build up.

Three years ago, I had to get treatment to remove bits of dead skin and wax from my ear drums. That gave me a massive upgrade in hearing and reduced Tinnitus considerably. I had been thinking that I might have to give audio altogether.

The guy told me apply Earol spray every couple of weeks to keep the ears free of wax. The wax still builds up over time. If I feel that I am having problems, I apply Earol for few days morning and night. Invariably that loosens the wax and a big lump falls out.

I believe Earol is available online in US. Pharmacies may have some alternatives. I don’t know for sure because I live in the UK.

Do not use Q tips under any circumstances. As @dwette says Q-tips exacerbate the problem and may cause serious damage to the ear drums.