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Upgrade phono cartridge for Rega P3-24

Ok, I posted to this forum a while back regarding a replacement phono cartridge for my Rega P3-24 (It has the Elys II mounted). I was provided with a lot of advice, most of it related to the quality of the rest of my system, suggesting that I upgrade in those areas (most suggestions were for a different preamp) before I consider an upgrade to the cartridge.

My system at that time was:
1. Quad 22L2 Speakers
2. Adcom GFA 555 Amplifier
3. Cambridge Audio Azur 640 CD Player
4. Stock Rega P3-24
5. NAD C-162 Preamplifier

Since that time, I have done the following:
1. Purchased another Adcom GFA 555 Amp and an now biamping to the Quads
2. Have a Herbie's turntable mat to replace the stock felt Rega mat.
3. Sold the NAD Preamp and purchased a Cary SLP-94 with phono on Audiogon
4. Purchased a TTPSU for the Rega.
5. Built an isolation platform for the Rega with two hardwood shelves and Squash balls in between.
6. Bought a couple of Aurelex Subdudes for the speakers to isolate them a bit better.

So, the upgrades have made a big difference. The Cary has made the biggest difference, making it a joy to listen to CDs, and opening up the Rega. Herbie's mat damped my lp sound very well. TTPSU really stabilized the speed of the Rega. My home made TT isolation platform, believe it or not, really helped, as did the Subdudes.

Now I'm wondering if a new cartridge for the Rega would be advised, and if so, which ones might I consider given my current rig?

Sorry for the long post, but I really respect the advice I get on this site. Any help would be appreciated.
gmsasso

Showing 2 responses by cjnolan

cjnolan
27 posts
 
Budget?

From the Elys2 (I've had the table & cart), an upgrade will be: Rega Exact2, Dynavector 20X H/L, Ortofon 2M Black, higher end Clearaudio MM. The Elys2 is quite good. I don't think the Dynavector 10x5 is much of an upgrade, more different than better (to my ears).

Remember you'll need at least 1 2mm spacer with these carts. If the Herbie mat is the same thickness as the Rega, if different you may need more, or none.

I've moved on to another table (Michell) and am still using my 2M Black. I'm looking at a change (for change sake more than anything) to either a Dynavector or Soundsmith.

Another upgrade you should look at is the Groovetracer reference subplatter. I preferred the stock rega mat and stock glass platter. I also upgraded to a heavyweight at the time.
cjnolan
27 posts
 
In the Stereophile review of the P3/24, they comment on the difference between the Exact and Elys. The subplatter makes a big difference. Weight, probably less so.

I personally think to really better the Elys2 you will need to spend about 2x it's price, in the $600 range. You won't get double the performance of course, but you will get better defined and smoother highs, and better bass texture and impact. At least that is what I noticed pretty clearly.

Mint tractor is an alignment protractor, do a search on MintLP on google.
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