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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 1 response by williewonka

williewonka
3,110 posts
 
@mwh777 - having gone through the constant and $$$expensive upgrades to my own Rega Planar II - I would recommend replacing the turntable before you get too far into those upgrades

Some might say that is throwing the baby out with the bathwater, but you can get a reasonable price for your Rega to help fund its replacement.

I would recommend a Music Hall product - anything from the MMF-3.3 and up..

If you can afford it - go for the MMF 7.3
- the features are excellent
- comes with the Ortofon 2m Bronze
- will satisfy for years to come and
- will keep sounding better as you upgrade other related components/cables

music hall mmf-7.3 turntable, pre-mounted Ortofon 2M Bronze cartridge (musichallaudio.com)

I like my turntable now, but the only thing that is still Rega is the plexiglass cover, the motor and the ON/OFF switch
The biggest improvement was upgrading the arm to an Audoimods Classic arm - it uses the Rega Arm tube, but that is where all similarity to a Rega arm ends.

Hope that helps - Steve
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