Vintage/modern hybrid setup — looking for feedback on weak links and upgrade path
I was fortunate to have inherited a vintage setup including the below speakers, preamp, equalizer, and power amp from a family friend about 4 years ago. Over the last couple years I have added the turntable, streaming setup (started with WiiM Mini and just upgraded to WiiM Pro Plus for DAC purposes), and a dedicated phono stage most recently (whatever was in the Hafler was used before). Wanted to get some outside perspective on where any glaring deficiencies are and whether my upgrade priorities make sense.
Current setup:
- Turntable: Music Hall MMF-1.5 with stock Melody cartridge (MM, conical stylus)
- Phono stage: iFi micro iPhono2
- Source for streaming: WiiM Pro Plus
- Preamp: Hafler SE100
- Equalizer: ADC Sound Shaper SS-315X
- Power amp: SAE A502 (200wpc @ 8ohm)
- Speakers: Acoustic Research AR90s
- Room correction: Just from the WiiM using my iPhone 16 microphone. Typically adjust the lowest 2 frequencies up +10dB on the SS-315X since the bass is noticeably weak in the AR90s.
Signal chain:
- MMF-1.5 → iFi iPhono2 → SE100 → SS-315X → A502 → AR90s
- WiiM Pro Plus → SE100 → SS-315X → A502 → AR90s
All connected via RCA cables aside from speakers.
What I’ve already identified as weak links:
- The Melody’s stock stylus/cartridge - planning a stylus upgrade or full cartridge swap to something in the AT VM95ML range (~$150). The guy I bought the iPhono2 from recommended a Denon DL-103 saying I could get one for less than $250 on eBay.
- The SS-315X is a 40-year-old graphic EQ with aged components sitting in the signal path. I’m aware it’s adding noise and phase shift even at flat, but it’s currently my only room correction tool for the analog chain.
- No unified room correction across both sources is also on my radar.
Questions:
- Am I correct that the cartridge/stylus is the highest priority upgrade right now?
- The SAE A502 and AR90s are the anchors of the system - pairing well or any impedance/sensitivity concerns I should know about?
- Is the SS-315X doing more harm than good in the signal path, or is the room correction value worth keeping it in the chain until I have a proper replacement?
- Does it make sense to replace my current preamp and equalizer with a singular modern piece? Any suggestions that wouldn’t cost over $1k and would look nice with the other equipment?
- Any notes on my room setup of the speakers / listening distance?
I am currently very happy with the sound overall, especially with my recent upgrades to the WiiM Pro Plus and iPhono2. I prioritize clarity and separation over warmth. I am not someone who will be continually looking for better and better sound, just want to get my setup to a good steady-state where any upgrades would be many years later and just for fun or to try something new when I have more disposable income. I listen primarily to some examples of artists I primarily listen to are Lane 8, Alice In Chains, Khruangbin, Watchhouse, Billy Strings, Pink Floyd, Rush, and many more, so a pretty wide genre range.
Happy to answer any questions about the setup. Thanks in advance.