Turntable advise for an analog novice

BE AWARE - Before you proceed down ANY upgrade path, ensure the downstream components (in this case the phono stage, amp + speakers + cables) are capable of realizing any potential benefits that can be achieved - otherwise you are just wasting your money!

Having stated the obvious...
Ive just gone through the upgrade process on my 25 yr old Rega Planar 2
Why? - because my newly acquired Raysonic SP120 tube amp allowed me to hear what was achievable!
- The clue: my CD player sounded much better than my Turntable.

So, I added...
- the RB250 arm - $300 - the old "S" arm was toast
- Rega Elys cartridge - $300
- Michell Techno-weight - $150
- replaced the Rega installed RCA plugs with Furutech's - $20 - THE MOST cost effective upgrade EVER!!

And then I built a plinth - $50

The turntable now sounds awsome, but as the other appends have stated, you can get some really good previously enjoyed gear for great prices

It really depends if you want to tinker (like me)or use a great product right out of the box

I had a lot of fun discovering how each upgrade enhanced the sound and it tought me what to look for in a good turntable - I also read a lot of articles.

On the other hand - tinkering can become costly and some changes are not always so beneficial - it's a risky endeavour.

I tinker, because I'm handy with tools and I get a sense of acheivement (when things go right)and, I'm naturally curious

If I had to tinker with your turntable I might try the following:
- Furutech RCA plugs - I got mine for $20/pair + $20 for WBT silver solder - great solder!
....the wire on the RB250 is good! it's the plugs that are garbage!
....huge improvement across the board
- Michell Techno weight - $150
....this one suprised me a lot
....Huge improvement in clarity, dynamics, image and bass & mids
....easy to install and setup
- Rega Elys Cartridge - $300
....with the other two upgrades this cartridge really performs well
....dynamic, balanced and very well controlled

So for around $490 you would get a huge improvement in clarity, dynamics, 3D Image and Frequency Response - not bad!

Please Note - I was working with the Rega plinth & glass platter
- I have no idea whether the Goldring platter & plinth will achieve the same results
- it's one of those risks I spoke of.

If you are handy - I can provide some design details of the plinth I have built, which I found enhanced the details and image even more - well worth the $50 it cost in materials

An Immediate tweek for you...
- if the feet on your turnatable are like the Rega feet - i.e. rubbery, looen the screws until you can rotate the foot - they isoloate better if a little on the loose side.
- if the feet have a cavity in the bottom of them - try placing a large marble under each foot - they make great isolators and cost about $3

So to sum up...
- the other appends make a compelling argument
- but, some of us like to tinker.

Regards...

Andarilu - One last thought....

Having reasearched some of the RB250 upgrades that are available (e.g. rewire + Techno weight may cost around $600 on your existing RB250), I would opt for something like the Michell re-engineered RB250 which comes with...
- Silver wire + better interconnect & plugs
- Upgraded bearings
- vibration deadening foam
- Techno weight
- VTA Adjuster

If you order from the UK you can get it for around $700+duty

I ordered my Michell Techno-weight from Trichord Research - who were very responsive, but it took around 2 weeks to clear Canadian customs

Regards...

Andarilu - if you are content with the GR1/RB250, then at least upgrade the Crappy Rega RCA's to Furutech - it really is worth it!

I get the Furutech FP126 for $20/pair - and now use them on all my cables - superb details for such a very reasonably priced connector.

The FP162 was only $10/pair - also better than the Rega

Just make sure you use good quality solder - this makes a huge difference at the Phono Stage

Furutechs will give you much more detail and better imaging than what you are getting with the standard Rega RCA's.

The Michell/Incognito upgrade you wrote about is a deal - except - it's a kit which means you'd have to install the wire yourself - not something I'd try - I no longer have a steady hand or good eyesight.

The Sumiko looks like a very good cartridge - I'm currently a MM guy myself, but looking to get into the MC market since I hear they provide lots more detail.

Let me know how it works out

Thanks

Andarilu - my apologies - I didn't think you were going for that upgrade just yet, but on re-reading your append I see I was mistaken.

Keep me posted on how easy it is to install.

I tried fixing the wiring in my old "S" shaped tone arm once ...
- that's why I now have the RB250 - say no more!

Regards...