What about a dedicated phono stage? Do you have a spare input on the integrated, or a tape loop? You might get more pleasure from your analogue front end by going with a dedicated stage... it's something I'm considering in the coming year. My preamp has a phono card (and I use it), but, I'm sure it could easily be bettered.

I'm thinking Jeff has made a great read between the lines here. First I admit to knowing nothing regarding TT's and Phono Pre's, and second that I am a biased Arcam bi-amp advocate. That said, as good as the MF gear is I don't feel you are going to notice a substantial upgrade by switching amplification. I would strongly consider Jeff's recommendation of looking at upgrading front end items first.

RG

Cool, we get to talk analog!

I'm siding with Jeff but need more info.

What phono cartridge are you using? How long have you had it?

We can talk phono pre, like Jeff mentioned, as well as cartridge choices or turntable mods!

This is where it may even be useful to consider things like a turntable stand, etc...

Perhaps even some room treatments.

How are you biamping the speakers?

Would talking about a active cross-over choices be of interest?

Lots to discuss!

Great advise from all. I think your trip to analogue land can? be enhanced by a cart and phono stage upgrade.

If your sound is on the lean side you might consider the Jolida tube phono stage from Underwood HiFi. Monolithic Sound and others offer great bang for the buck around the $500 price point. Check out the Needle Doctor. If you have a local high end dealer where you can audition that would be even better. You are about to be entering the land of "Hair Splitting" phase of listendom. Enjoy...it could be fun.

Since we are on the subject, has anyone heard much about the Shelter 901, Grados, or any others. I think I might venture into MC, maybe hight output MC or even a good MM might be ok.

Thanks.

I am looking at either an Arrum Beta S or the Virtuoso Wood. I think it might make sense to match the $$ amounts of cart and phono stage unless you can get a steal on either. The wood-bodied Grados have gotten good reviews as well in the $500 range.

I would start at the phono stage first and live with that for a while until you get an handle on what improvements that brought to your system. You may end up trying a few models if your local dealer is accomodating.

ajay,i have vast experience with VDH cables(been using them for almost 20 years now,from the cheapest up to the mighty MC-Silvers).The cs-122,the teeetrack (which is the bi-wired version of the cs-122 and the D-102 mk3 ic are probably the best value for money cables/ic VDH produces.Anyway,my point.
Look elsewhere for the brightness,not in the speaker cables.
Also,someone recommented Music Fidelity.Compared to the Arcams you allready own,the MF is quite bright sounding.
IMHO,your problem is twofold.Acoustics and in need of more power.Also,are you sure what you are hearing is brightness and not hardness ?