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Rega P25 cartridge upgrade

Hi all, 

I would appreciate your advice and opinions regarding a cartridge upgrade for my Rega P25.

My current system:
- Rega P25 with Grado Prestige Gold.
- Marantz PM6004 
- Neat Iota speakers (http://neatacoustics.com/iota/)

I listen to a broad range of music from electronic to jazz to rock.

The Grado Gold came with the Rega when I bought it used a few years back and unfortunately the stylus appears to have been bent during a recent house move (dont ask...). I thought it would therefore be a good time to upgrade the cartridge. 

I'm using the phono stage on the Marantz amp which is listed as only compatible with MM. Music is important to me and I'm keen for a great sound but dont think I've got time to get lost in exploring MCs and phono stages etc currently so feel like a good quality MM would be sufficient. Looking to spend £200-300 max.

A few potential options I've discovered:

- Ortofon 2M Black
- Goldring 1042.

Any thoughts or experience would be appreciated. 

Thanks

Thom
thomlocke

Showing 1 response by mattmiller

mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,552 posts
 
Hi Thom, I can tell you with the utmost certainty that if your looking for a big upgrade in sound from a cartridge, look no further than the Dynavector 10X5. This is a high output MC cartridge that will work fine with a MM phono input/stage. All I can say is get ready to jump!

I own a J.A. Michell Gyro SE (third gen Techno arm) with a Dynavector 20x2L. I progressively arrived here after using a REGA P3/24 (RB301 tonearm) with a 10X5 and it is one of the best combos i can remember hearing. Also, i used the 10X5 on a Pro-Ject Xtension 10, and sold this table to my brother which he still uses to this day.

Matt M                    

P.S. Also, Ill mention I use a Manley Labs Chinook phono pre amp, my brother uses a Musical Surroundings Nova II.
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