What's the best bang for my bucks on RP6 upgrade?

I would fire the cleaning person, unless it’s your wife or girlfriend.  Where is your stylus guard?  You should keep it on when turntable is not in use as It will prevent any snags to the stylus from cleaning cloth or Swiffer. 

I only use Dust Off around my TT. My cleaning lady is terrified to go near my system. 

@dkidknow 

You’re asking us to answer the upgrade question only you can answer.  Yes, you can get a sonic uptick “for a price”, whether this uptick is worth the price only you can answer- we each have unique budgets and commitment to this hobby.

If upgrade, not sure if you want to stick with Rega or look to other options. 

I'd consider a cartridge with a stylus guard, and preferably one that does not risk causing damage when fitted and removed. Only one of my four cartridges that are in regular use has a stylus guard, and it (a SoundSmith) is difficult to use, and so I don't use it. But I have neither small children, cats or a cleaner any more, so it's pretty safe.

I can say that an MP-500 punches well above it's weight, costs less than $1250, and has an easily-applied stylus guard.

If I were you, I would try the Umami Blue.

If you go P8, I would suggest you move up from the Stellar. As your system goes now, it’s pretty good. Bottleneck is probably the cart.

Dear @dkidknow:  " Would this cartridge be overkill on an RP6? ""

Why should be that way with the Blue? , the RB330 tonearmis just decent item, of course that Rega or other manufacturers have better tonearms.

I think that in any way you can be " safe " with the RB330/Umami Blue. You and no one but you can know it when you experienced down there in your system.

Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,

R.

I am a source 1st kind of guy I do have a Rega rp6 with exact and I have the Rega p8 with get this their cheapie carbon cart. I prefer the P8 combo, sure I can make it better with a better cart, but have to tell you that combo kicks some you know what. 

Thanks for the responses all.  I have really enjoyed my RP6, so I guess I could be said to enjoy the Rega "House Sound," but honestly haven't listened to a lot of analog rigs.  If I'd be willing to upgrade to the Planar 8, what other turntables are out there in the same price range that might be good alternatives?

I have the same tee shirt. Fire the housekeeper the second time it happens. If it was a girlfriend or wife, kick her to the curb. Consider having the cantilever repaired. Needle Clinic.

I had a P3.

I was looking to P8 but got a used VPI Prime instead.  Was a dream tt and just wanted something different.

Lots of good tt/arms in that range and I think they are all good.