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Rega P3: Neo PSU or New Cartridge?

Hi everyone,

I have a Rega P3 upgraded with a Groovetracer Reference sub-platter and Rega’s white belt. I’m looking to upgrade the table further, but not sure which would be the most advisable option: Rega’s NEO PSU or a new cartridge (either the Exact 2 or Orotofon 2M Black). I’m content with the Elys 2 at the moment, but do plan to move up soon. The power supply is what I’ve been leaning towards getting next, but I’m new to planar-style belt-drive turntables, and so I’m unsure what sonic improvements to expect from such an upgrade.

I know many would recommend getting a P6 rather than upgrading the P3, but I’m not a fan of the color of the P6. I love the sleek look of the white P3 plinth with the metal bracing, metal sub-platter, and glass platter. This table is sort of of my fun foray into the world of planar-style belt-drive turntables. I’m primarily a direct-drive fan (I have two Technics SL-1210GAEs), but always loved the looks of the Regas, so the P3’s aesthetics, for me, are a factor to consider in addition to the sound quality. I know the P3 cannot achieve the same level of sound quality as other tables in the Rega line-up, but I’m just trying to get it to sound as good as it can.

Any advice would be much appreciated.
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undefined OP
33 posts
 
@jasonbourne52:
Thanks for your recommendation, though I think I’ll probably avoid MCs for the near-future. My phono stage was recently upgraded to a Lehmann Black Cube SE II, so I don’t feel the need to upgrade that just yet. 
Could someone briefly explain, in general outline, how the external PSU improves the sound? I’d like to understand this a bit more. Thanks. 
undefined OP
33 posts
 
@noromance 
Thank you for the explanation; that’s helpful. 
@scm 
I noticed improved speed and pitch control. It also seemed that the playback was a bit “clearer,” maybe due to the higher quality bearing in the GT Reference? I’m not sure. 
undefined OP
33 posts
 
@scm
Thanks for the heads-up; I’ll check those threads out!

@mwh777
I have been thinking about putting one of my cork mats on the P3, but I want to get a spacer for the tonearm first.

I agree with you regarding the cartridge-tonearm combination. I don’t intend to move into MC anytime soon, and the Ortofon 2M Black has been a cartridge I’ve been wanting to get for one of my SL-1210GAEs for a while now (I think the two have good synergy). I just figured that once I get the 2M Black, I could try it on the Rega. However, I’m leaning towards just putting an Exact 2 on the Rega instead because I abhor the tedium of cartridge alignment, so I want to do that as little as possible. I’d say a $600 cartridge on a $600 dollar arm is at the upper-end of reasonable.
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