2. analog
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Upgrade from Rega P3-24 .....

Please take a look at my current updated system's analog front end. I am perhaps considering an upgrade, thinking about the Rega RP6 and the VPI Traveler, with a nicely matching high output MC or MM cartridge. My total budget is around $2000. Would either of these tables be a considerable enough upgrade over my current system to justify a new purchase ? Or would I need to spend more $$$ to really hear an improved sound ? Other thoughts ? I love the way my system sounds now, but may be experiencing a bout of "upgrade fever." I've already taken some aspirin, but the fever won't go away.
adam18

Showing 11 responses by adam18

adam18 OP
670 posts
 
Try copying and pasting this to your browser .....

http://thevinylanachronist.blogspot.com/2011/08/famous-white-belt-from-rega.html
adam18 OP
670 posts
 
Okay ..........So it seems as if an upgraded phono stage is the "best first step" right now. Would a $500 budget allow for an audibly significant improvement ? Which ones should I be considering ? Rega Fono, Bottlehead Seduction, Sim 110 ?.... I'm lost here. Help me out.
adam18 OP
670 posts
 
Thanks for the responses so far. Keep your ideas and thoughts coming !

Hi Aaron ... Nice to hear from you. Looking for a P-7 may be a good idea.
Les ... That's just what I was thinking. A "sideways move" my not make sense.
Chayro ... Thanks for your kind comment about my system. Your ideas about a new cartridge gives me something else to think about. Very cool.....

Okay, it's 8:15 Sunday morning. Wife is still sleeping, and the dogs are both fed. Time to go downstairs and listen to some music. Perhaps some Miles and 'Trane ...
adam18 OP
670 posts
 
I am now thinking of keeping my table and upgrading the cartridge. For now, I'll stay with the built-in MM phono stage of my Rogue Audio Cronus (non-Magnum.) So,....... I'd like to hear more ideas about cartridges that will provide excellent synergy with my system. Anyone know about the new ClearAudio Ebony line ? My dealer is telling me that the $600 "Artist v2 Ebony" would work very well, and be a significant improvement over my Exact 2. What do you guys and gals think ?
adam18 OP
670 posts
 
The white belt upgrade certainly sounds intriguing. There are many posts on vinyl engine.com about it ... some say there's a tremendous improvement, while others don't hear any significant difference. But for sixty bucks, it's not too much of a gamble.Since my table is four years old, I should probably consider replacing the belt anyway, and the price difference between black and white belts is not too significant. Worth a try ??? Maybe ???

Anyway, Music Direct has it ....
REGA - DRIVE BELT UPGRADE
Price: $59.00
adam18 OP
670 posts
 
Hey Guys.......... Some great ideas. Thanks a lot.
adam18 OP
670 posts
 
Thanks Chayro .....I already have the Herbie's mat, and, yes, it does make a huge difference. I like the sound of music better than I did with the Rega felt.
adam18 OP
670 posts
 
As a follow-up to my post immediately above, here's a link to an article that puts
the "white belt upgrade" into a pretty cool perspective.

http://thevinylanachronist.blogspot.com/2011/08/famous-white-belt-from-
rega.html
adam18 OP
670 posts
 
That's what I've been thinking. Is the white belt causing the improvement ? or is the fact that the belt needs replacing causing the improvement ? The way I'm looking at it, since my belt is over 4 years old, I probably should replace it, and for the extra $ 20, I might as well buy the white belt instead of another black belt. But anyway, Coltrane's "Way Out West" LP still sounds pretty darn good !
adam18 OP
670 posts
 
Sebrof ...... I beg your pardon. Rollins, not Coltrane. You are correct ! Today, with all the great NCAA basketball on TV (with the TV obviously on mute) I've been listening to great jazz all day long. I've been spinning LP's by Miles, 'Trane, Rollins, Webster, Brubeck, and Mingus. Also, a little Grateful Dead and Neil Young thrown into the mix. Ahhhhh ..... it's all good !
adam18 OP
670 posts
 
Hey Matt ... Thanks for the "nutshell advice," and my compliments to you on what appears to be a beautiful system. I already have the Herbie's mat in place of the felt, and I'll buy the white belt to replace the black one. As far as the Groovetracer upgrades .... perhaps in the future.
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