Hi Ken - I can't comment on your vinyl rig since I've no idea what it sounds like (stock or modded.) But, I thought I'd share my own experience with new gear versus old.

I used to use a direct drive Technics SL-D202 from the late 70s/early 80s. At a local audio flea market meet several years ago, I picked up an AR-XA from the early 60s. I made a felt mat, rewired the outputs & AC, and dampened the platter and headshell with some compound very similar to Blu-Tack. The ancient AR-XA belt drive table, even with its primitive, barely adjustable tonearm, easily bested the direct drive model. The noise floor was lower, and pacing & rhythm was improved... it wasn't great sound, but it was much improved. I recently upgraded my analogue front end to a VPI Scoutmaster. This thing leaves the others in the dust in all respects. Turntable design really has come a long way; if you could see the grin on my face when I'm listening to vinyl these days, you'd have an idea of how much.

I would think with a nice arm like you've got, you're probably doing all right... but, it might be worth checking out a more recent design. I'm so glad I did.

Do you want to sell the AR? If you have any thoughts of it being inadaquate post it for sale and see how quickly it goes. What kind of cartridge are you using? Try a Sumiko Blue Point Special if you haven't.

Joe is right, obviously, the ears do decide. My guess is you could beat your current rig, but that it would cost you five grand to do it, not counting cartridge cost. How much better would the sound have to be to make you want to spend that?

I think your rig probably sounds pretty darn fine!

I bet it's better than the current sub-1,000 dollar crop of tables.

I'm also pleased to see you say how you like it! That's a great sign of a well set up and integrated system.

I'd say your next stop should be a local hi fi club or hi fi show and give a listen to what's out there. Odds are you'll hear some stuff that makes you want to scrap what you've got until you see the five figure price tags, then you'll go home happy with how good your table is doing.

The only correct way to answer your question is for you to go on a listening tour and find out!

I too have an elderly AR ES1. It stacks up very well indeed. Modifications include an acrylic armboard (home-made), an Audioquest sorbothane mat, and a baseboard made of acoustic hardboard more firmly fixed to the outer frame by the addition of extra screw battens. I recently replaced the stock Rega RB300 with a Michell Tecnoarm which does justice to a new AT OC9 ML II cartridge. I then auditioned a VPI Scout in my system, and while I was impressed with it I saw no need to replace the AR. It is still eminently competitive.