Upgrade cartridge or something else?


Here's a friend's turntable:

Current model Rega P3 with the RB330 arm. It has been upgraded with the Groovetracer Reference sub-platter, the Rega tungsten counterweight, the Rega white belt and the Rega Neo PSU speed controller along with a linear power supply upgrade.

The first cartridge was the Rega Elys 2. The Elys 2 was replaced by the Clearaudio Performer ($400 at that time), which was a definite improvement in sound quality.

Do you think that this table is where it should be or should the Clearaudio Performer be upgraded and if so, what would the practical dollar limit be in this case? Should he consider doing something else instead?

Thank you for your input.
mwh777

Showing 2 responses by mwh777

I want to add a little clarity to the "something else" question. What I was after is, where is the smarter expenditure? Should he upgrade the cart or  do something else to this turntable or move up to a higher level table? 
First, thanks to everyone who actually stayed on topic.

Next, just a reminder that the table in question is a friend's table, not mine.

I appreciate those who have been able to respond with simple answers to a simple question instead of wanting to get into a more holistic view of this. I will leave that for another thread.

So far there are a few more votes for cart replacement than table replacement and none for additional upgrades. I would vote for either cart or table replacement. 

Thanks to millercarbon for the suggestions. Friend Jim is a far less sophisticated audiophile than those at your level. He is near the polar opposite of the analytical purist. While he is learning that improvements to the "sound" will propel his appreciation of the music, for him the music (musicality) will always be the focus.

Let's not start getting into what musicality means. There will never be any agreement between what it means to the analytical purist and what it means to his polar opposite. (I happen to be on the other side of the fence from the analytical type.)

To mijostyn, The Maestro cart is in the running. My personal cart is a Maestro V2 on a very upgraded Linn LP12 and an Audio Origami arm.

To williewonka, food for thought for sure.