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.
"Forward! Into the Past!" 🤦♂️ ;) I got spoilt by a MC cart long ago.....about as long as seeing 'MI' to describe a cart.... As for what's available....runs the same gambit as choice of speakers....which intimates listening to the umpteenth power to different ones' on different arms through different equip in different spaces.... ...and budget, or >pick your ceiling<... ;) Happy listening.... |
I was in search for a replacement for my original Stanton 981HZS and after going through Denon, AT, Ortofon, Goldring, and various stylus re-tipping options and reading feedback...I settled on the Nagaoka MP200. If I was in your shoes I would seriously consider the MP500 which has the same boron cantilever but goes to a line contact diamond instead of the nude superfine elliptical on mine. The time I heard one it sounded slightly brighter with same warmth to my ears...but yours may vary. Good luck. |
Your issue might be the GrooveTracer upgrades you did. Frankly, the bearing is inferior to the original and wears out much faster and the Delrin platter or any of the plastic platters dull the sound of a Rega. The glass platter has a livelier sound. @rchermanjr liked the Nagaoka MP200. I don't know what table he has but I own one of these and a Rega 3 and it's a nice combo but you will have to play with the height adjustment a bit on the arm. It can sound a bit rolled off on the top but when adjusted correctly, it's a nice lively sound but again, that's with the glass platter. I also like the Hana SL and ML cartridges plus they were on sale earlier. |
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.” |
