Rega P3: Neo PSU or New Cartridge?


Hi everyone,

I have a Rega P3 upgraded with a Groovetracer Reference sub-platter and Rega’s white belt. I’m looking to upgrade the table further, but not sure which would be the most advisable option: Rega’s NEO PSU or a new cartridge (either the Exact 2 or Orotofon 2M Black). I’m content with the Elys 2 at the moment, but do plan to move up soon. The power supply is what I’ve been leaning towards getting next, but I’m new to planar-style belt-drive turntables, and so I’m unsure what sonic improvements to expect from such an upgrade.

I know many would recommend getting a P6 rather than upgrading the P3, but I’m not a fan of the color of the P6. I love the sleek look of the white P3 plinth with the metal bracing, metal sub-platter, and glass platter. This table is sort of of my fun foray into the world of planar-style belt-drive turntables. I’m primarily a direct-drive fan (I have two Technics SL-1210GAEs), but always loved the looks of the Regas, so the P3’s aesthetics, for me, are a factor to consider in addition to the sound quality. I know the P3 cannot achieve the same level of sound quality as other tables in the Rega line-up, but I’m just trying to get it to sound as good as it can.

Any advice would be much appreciated.
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Showing 1 response by merv-o

I have taken a stock Rega Planar 3 (2016) and added the following components (I will include the orice of same so that you can determine if these upgrades are for you):

Base REGA Planar 3...................................... $ 995.00

Groovetracer Reference Sub-Platter................$ 275.00

Groovetracer Delrin Platter...............................$ 350.00

MCM Tech Sorbothane/Aluminum Feet............$ 129.00

REGA White belt...............................................$   39.00

REGA Neo PSU power supply..........................$  395.00

The total investment for my Planar 3 was $2,183.00.....The base Planar 6 is $1,695.00. The $488.00 difference in price with the upgrades has helped me create what I dub a P7. Hearing them side by side, I am delighted with the upgrade path. Groovetracer is a serious company. The SIngle machined Sub-Platter and NEO PSU made the biggest difference and my table more than holds its own against any other $2000 TT available. Adding the Rega ANIA Pro Cartridge sealed the deal. At $3,200.00 with a top quality cartridge it sounds awesome and close to the P8 (which is 3995 with Ania Pro MC aboard) I was coveting, though I dislike the unfinished skeletal path and the need for a fully closed unit with plinth and dust cover was required for my kit set-up.

Ultimately, you can buy a Planar that is 90% of my table as configured and plug n play. But The path I chose was gradual and fun -- listening to the subtle changes as I replaced and added these upgrades was part of the audiophile journey for me. Other knowledgeable fellow audio aficianadoes will propose a different path. Ultimately, my next REGA model leap will be to the P10, but I am very satisfied presently.

Good luck in your REGA upgrade path.