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 1 response by riche569

riche569
9 posts
 

I just upgraded to a Hana Umami Blue cartridge since Hana was running a 20% off promotion and I was surprised how impressive the change was in bass and treble extension as well as immediacy, color and imaging. Even with the discount I'm sure $2K is outside of your budget and not the right match for a P3. But I did find it interesting when I recently read that Ortofon just released a new version of their MM cartridges that are made to fit on the Rega turntables. I haven't owned an Ortofon cartridge, but I thought that it was exciting that there is another choice for direct replacement cartridges for Rega turntables now that don't require shims:

 

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