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


My Dynavector 20X2L lost its stylus due to a rogue cleaning person, and I’m crying because this is the second time it’s happened. I have upgraded my phono pre from Heed Quasar to PS Audio Stellar since I purchased this cartridge, so now have a more resolving set-up that might reward an upgrade. The RP6 is 9 years old and in great shape.

Relevant system details: Line Magnetic 518IA, Merlin Monitors, Auditorium 23 cables

Now need to decide how to spend my money:

1. Get a used ____________ cartridge (suggestions please) for under $1250 to cut my losses and in case my cleaning people destroy this one too.

2. Just get a replacement 20X2L. I know I like it. I think I’d get a bit of a discount since I already have the cartridge-- dyna may offer an upgrade/retip option? $1000-$1250

2. Upgrade Cartridge. Dealer suggests Hana Umami Blue and I’m pretty committed to buying from them. Would this cartridge be overkill on an RP6?

$2500

3. Get a new P8 with Ania Pro for $4150, sell the RP6 for $1129 (current agon ad), net cost $3020.

4. Get a used _________ with _____________ cart (suggestions please) for $____________, sell the RP6 for $1129, net cost $_____________.

Thanks in advance.

D

dkidknow

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.