A not so New Newbies system upgrade

Right, i'm now here to what seems to be a wonderful site and somewhere that can offer help and advice.
However, i'm not "new" at 70 and put my first system together ca. 1972.
That system was a Wharfedale Linton Amp and Speakers with a Thorens TD150 mk II with Shure M75ED
The Amp was soon replaced with a Goodmans120 Receiver and the speakers with a pair of Celestion Ditton 66's. The Turntable soon became a Thorens TD125 with Shure V15 III.

No more changes happened until ca. 1990 when the Goodmans was replaced with a Pioneer A400

So, on to more recent times. 3 years ago ? I started a new upgrade with an Arcam A39 and a Cyrus CD Player ( I forgot i'd had a Rotel one)
So we came to the Turntable and after some more deliberation I went for a Project Xtension 9 with Superpack including an Ortofon Quintet Black (not the Black S). Of course, I needed a Phono Stage and chose the Project Phono Tube DS.

Now, i've been reading many equipment reviews and more lately lots of things here and begun, rather late in the day, to understand that things are not as simple as I used to believe.
Issues about how systems handle different types of music - or don't.
This is my first experience of Moving Coil and I must say that these things have now become important.
Why?

My older system with the V15 III always seemed to handle pop, rock and heavy metal with ease. Classical was fine but something about it never totally convinced me.

Now with the new system I find some pop music, e.g. Arcade Fire's Reflektor quite difficult and edgy.
But Classical Music - Wow!!
Now I realise some of the things i'd been missing. All instruments distinct and clear with a great soundstage.

The question - sorry it's taken a long time - Is it likely that it's the Phono stage that's troubling me ? 
Having read Graham's articles about moving coil and Accession, I am looking at this as the improvement to make.

Comments and suggestions welcomed.

John 

 

From a fellow septuagenarian welcome John,

Welcome, John,