Bravo!Not only are the components highly reviewed but they are perennial models that have lasted because they work.Plus for those of us who live in "real world: finances it's a system that shows balance and value for the dollar.Interesting that you changed from Cary to Aleph but we all know good good tube versus SS has it's pluses and minuses yet with the Cary tube pre the euphonics and warmth are there with more solid bass.I have a friend with a Cary SLi80 and your 17D3 cart (he likes it but thinks the cantilever is delicate and wishes he had a bit more than .23Mv) hooked to his VPI 19 and the thing I wonder is if the Camelot isn't the element that would give you more for buck than any upgrade in this well balanced system.
My buddy deals with low output since he has PS GCPH which in addition to knob settings for gain it has master volume/gain but if it's not an issue it's not an issue.I have two pre's one Krell hooked up to KRC2 pre but will probably sell that.Then I have a Kora tube Pre that has fantastic MM/MC but it's non adjustable.GCPH is cool since it allows adjustments of gain and load,phase,mono etc.Yet I am not sure it can touch other phono's for a bit more (Whest,EAR 834) or a Jolida for half it's price.Might try a modded one from Cullen.What I'd like is sound quality of EAR 324 but at price of GCPH!!!Think that 324 would sound awesome with your amp and pre.Anyway great system.Might check with Mike or Harry at VPI and see if Cloud is worth it or just go for HRX Mini Feet which Harry designed with Vihn VU of Gingko and uses same ball.Am surprised those speakers cut in room that size(Friend has 3.6's).I have a love hate thing with Maggie just like Quad,ML,Apogee's so understand the two speakers both of which are great final transducers to a sensible yet really nice rig.
Cheers
Chazz