Your current system has potential to be much better, without spending $10k.
Weak links are the c1990 Rega P3 combo and your digital setup.
If you want to improve the Rega in the most cost effective way, then look into having the arm rewired, install a new endstub and underhung counterweight, and purchase the P3 upgrade package. I would also investigate MC cartridges....$1500 will get a great cartridge and SUT.
You mention that vinyl is not a primary source for you. In this light, upgrades to your Rega would be best. If vinyl becomes more important, I would look into a better table and arm.
Vintage MM cartridges are another value oriented improvement. A new (used) body and replacement stylus will cost less than a brand new cartridge. A TOTL Empire or ADC can be found for less than $200, another $200 for a stylus assembly (or $3-400 if you commission a custom rebuild) and you have a cartridge that would cost $1k+ if purchased new today. Many have praised the JICO SAS styli. Understand that JICO no longer makes this profile, but has announced they will again in the future (when?).
Digital has improved substantially. A better DAC will make a very audible improvement. In fact, over the past few years, price to quality ratio has moved more quickly in digital than in any other area of high end. Advancements in electronics certainly help, but also the success of the headphone industry. Economies of scale in this area have enabled companies to offer outstanding DACs at great value prices.
Hardware (preamps, amps and speakers) have not advanced very much over the past 25yrs. Improvements have been in quality of parts, and in execution. Passive parts can be upgraded. Some say older high end equipment may be inherently better because of more robust power supplies, and discrete rather than encapsulated or IC parts. Careful upgrades of caps, resistors and wiring can deliver a lower noise floor and greater transparency.
You have the foundation for a great system that will last you another 25yrs. But like a classic automobile, it requires periodic maintenance to perform at its best.
Weak links are the c1990 Rega P3 combo and your digital setup.
If you want to improve the Rega in the most cost effective way, then look into having the arm rewired, install a new endstub and underhung counterweight, and purchase the P3 upgrade package. I would also investigate MC cartridges....$1500 will get a great cartridge and SUT.
You mention that vinyl is not a primary source for you. In this light, upgrades to your Rega would be best. If vinyl becomes more important, I would look into a better table and arm.
Vintage MM cartridges are another value oriented improvement. A new (used) body and replacement stylus will cost less than a brand new cartridge. A TOTL Empire or ADC can be found for less than $200, another $200 for a stylus assembly (or $3-400 if you commission a custom rebuild) and you have a cartridge that would cost $1k+ if purchased new today. Many have praised the JICO SAS styli. Understand that JICO no longer makes this profile, but has announced they will again in the future (when?).
Digital has improved substantially. A better DAC will make a very audible improvement. In fact, over the past few years, price to quality ratio has moved more quickly in digital than in any other area of high end. Advancements in electronics certainly help, but also the success of the headphone industry. Economies of scale in this area have enabled companies to offer outstanding DACs at great value prices.
Hardware (preamps, amps and speakers) have not advanced very much over the past 25yrs. Improvements have been in quality of parts, and in execution. Passive parts can be upgraded. Some say older high end equipment may be inherently better because of more robust power supplies, and discrete rather than encapsulated or IC parts. Careful upgrades of caps, resistors and wiring can deliver a lower noise floor and greater transparency.
You have the foundation for a great system that will last you another 25yrs. But like a classic automobile, it requires periodic maintenance to perform at its best.