2. analog
  3. 187934-79491

New Phono Cart with Character Needed

I want to replace a Rega Ania MC phono cart on a Rega P3 because the current setup is lifeless, flat, and un-engaging. Phono stage is a Pass Labs XP17. The music produced currently is full of detail, very lifelike, instruments all sound very real, good upper end extension, but there is no there there. I can plug my phone into my multibit DAC and stream Jazz Groove and have a better experience because the sound is richer and has more oomph. I want warmth, oomph, texture, and wows from my analog. The Ania is just too flat, clinical and dry. I want to trade that for some color and a little more strength behind the notes. Budget is $1000. I mostly listen to Jazz. All suggestions are welcome.

Rega Ania MC Cart specs: Input Load Impedance 100 Ω, Output Impedance 10 Ω, Nominal output voltage 350 μV, Tracking Pressure 1.75 - 2.00 g

Rega P3 has been upgraded with GrooveTracer delrin platter and subplatter. 

mward

Showing 5 responses by mward

mward OP
102 posts
 

Lots of great recommendations here. I’m looking forward to putting this list together and researching each one. 
Pinwa asked what kind of wows I’m looking for.  I think I’m after the wow factor you get when you buy a new pre-amp or other component and it juices up the music with a little electronic color.  It could probably be described as euphonics as well. I think my current setup would really please the flat response crowd but it’s so boring I just say “yep, that was music” at the end of an LP and put it away. A new cart might not be the best approach, but it is the most budget friendly and the right size move for me at this time.  A new cart might also pair better with my XP17 and produce some magic that way.  I’ve tried every load and output and tracking weight combination under the sun with the Ania and just can’t get the sound to go where I want it to.  My analog doesn’t sound like analog. It sounds more digital than my digital. 

mward OP
102 posts
 

Wise words. 

mward OP
102 posts
 

I’m very open to moving from MC to MM or MI.  Thanks. 

mward OP
102 posts
 

I think I’m starting to lean toward the Soundsmith Carmen mklI. I’ve always heard good things about SoundSmith. Pass Labs says it would be a fine match for the XP17. 

mward OP
102 posts
 

I disagree on the GrooveTracer upgrades being an issue.  I switched back and forth between stock and GrooveTracer and heard a noticeably better sound.  I can usually hear the difference between belts and even different record weights.  I opted for the Reference sub platter option which is described below.  I know Rega has its own lightweight system that they say works together and is necessary to achieve the best Rega sound, but I prefer the upgrades.  I won’t argue that an entire table upgrade wouldn’t help though. 

GrooveTracer sub-platter description:

“The hub is machined from 6061-T6 Aluminum and the bearing axle is constructed from hardened (RC 62) and ground steel. The third component is the record spindle which is machined and polished from Stainless Steel.”

”(it) incorporates a sapphire thrust plate (integral with the bearing shaft) that rotates on a zirconia (ZrO2) ball.”

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