Rdavwhitaker,
I agree with all of the feedback you have received.I've owned many Rega tables (& still use Rega tonearms).I always found the Rega cartridge to be the weak link in an all Rega turntable set-up).I found The well reviewed and very affordable Ortofon OM-30 Super to be a significant improvement over the top-of-the -line Rega Exact.Other cartridges that have worked well for me with stock and modified RB-250 & 300 arms are the Dynavector 20x,Clearaudio Virtuoso Wood,and Ortofon 2M Blue & Bronze.All of these cartridges cost under $1000 (The Blue and Bronze are less than $500).
On the other hand,a new table can be fun.The Marantz TT-15S1 comes with an $800 Clearaudio cartridge and retails for less than $1500.I've seen them used for as low as $750.I got a great deal on a new Acoustic Signature Manfred with an RB-250 arm.
Vintage tables can be fun as well.I've been collecting Dual CS 5000 tables(I have 4)and just acquired a Thorens TD 125.The 125 fitted with a Rega or other fine arm is supposed to be a World Class Table!
Sorry about the rambling.
I agree with all of the feedback you have received.I've owned many Rega tables (& still use Rega tonearms).I always found the Rega cartridge to be the weak link in an all Rega turntable set-up).I found The well reviewed and very affordable Ortofon OM-30 Super to be a significant improvement over the top-of-the -line Rega Exact.Other cartridges that have worked well for me with stock and modified RB-250 & 300 arms are the Dynavector 20x,Clearaudio Virtuoso Wood,and Ortofon 2M Blue & Bronze.All of these cartridges cost under $1000 (The Blue and Bronze are less than $500).
On the other hand,a new table can be fun.The Marantz TT-15S1 comes with an $800 Clearaudio cartridge and retails for less than $1500.I've seen them used for as low as $750.I got a great deal on a new Acoustic Signature Manfred with an RB-250 arm.
Vintage tables can be fun as well.I've been collecting Dual CS 5000 tables(I have 4)and just acquired a Thorens TD 125.The 125 fitted with a Rega or other fine arm is supposed to be a World Class Table!
Sorry about the rambling.