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Upgrade Rega P25 to? Basis? VPI? Or?

I have a Rega P25 w/Benz Glider that I've really enjoyed using. But as I've had it for a few years, & have the "perpetual upgrade itch", I'm thinking of getting a better TT. I was always attracted to VPI gear, (partly because of the look, I admit). But a couple of years ago I put a thread here re: maybe upgrading to a VPI Aries, & just about everyone vetoed the idea as a poor cost/benefit idea--(does anyone have any new thoughts on that?). Or what about Basis, say a 2000 series? With my Benz Glider (or?). I figure I can spend $2K plus (altho I hate to dump my P25 for the used prices I'm seeing now).

My priorities are: 1. Ease of use & setup. Nothing too extremely finicky or hard to get service for. I live in MA so both Basis & VPI are within shipping distance if I need service. 2. A quantifiable sonic upgrade from my P25. 3. I may take some flack for this, but looks & build quality are important. As good as the P25 is, I think that's where part of my boredom lies. 4. As I have a pet (cat), I need something w/a good solid dust cover available.

Rest of my system, for now: B&W M802SIII speakers, C-J PFR, & VTL 2.5TL preamps, C-J MF2250 amp, Fanfare tuner, Cary 303-200 CDP. My phono pre is the one built in to my VTL pre-amp, which is very noisy, & I'd like to upgrade to a used C-J or maybe ARC unit in the $1K+ range (I realize that's something I need to do, regardless).

I may get responses advising me to keep my TT & upgrade my cartridge, or spend the extra $$ on more vinyl (& I welcome those), but assuming I want to get a better TT, what do you advise? And if you think I should hold out for a more expensive TT than my $2K+ budget, pls. advise.

Thanks in advance for any feedback!

Steve
steveaudio

Showing 1 response by ptmconsulting

ptmconsulting
1,000 posts
 
For a $2000 budget your best bang would be to upgrade the phono section first, and you obviously recognize this. Lots of choices in the $1000 area, both tubed and solid state. The next obvious upgrade would be the cartridge. I agree that MC is the way to go, but you probably need to spend between $500-800 to get the goods here. Some choices are Denon 103, Dynavector 20X-H/L or Karat, Clearaudio Wood, Shelter 501, etc.

So that brings you to about $1500-1800 - there's your $2000 budget. But if you recognize that these things are both necessary and in addition to your budget then you can get a truly fine turntable and arm for $1500-2000. The VPI Scout w/ JMW 9 arm pops to mind immediately. The Teres were great AND economical when they first arrived, but they've expanded upwards in both price and sophistication where I couldn't say the bottom end of their line is worth it anymore. Basis and VPI compete directly against each other and there are many people in both camps - I think it comes down to looks here. Then there's Oracle's and Mitchell's to consider, especially on the used market. They are definitely cool looking to boot. Nottinghams have a loyal following too, and they are also cool.

Sounds like you've got a lot of fun ahead of you in the research department. Don't forget the used market - there's lots of value to be found there.

Enjoy,
Bob
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