Upgrade cartridge or turntable?

Its really important. Something like say a cartridge, who cares what it looks like? Really? I mean okay maybe for like three seconds. Then reality sets in and what you really care about is can you set it down where you want, like right at the beginning of a track, which comes down to seeing the stylus or some other visual reference, AND in combination with that how the tone arm works- with the cue lever or does it have a finger lift and will you use it?

These are just a few of the practical considerations few people think of until they are living with it, by which time its too late. Most of what's in the higher ranges is awfully good. But there's a whole market segment that seems devoted to filling the needs of audiophiles who to judge by their choices seem more latent masochist than audiophile. Why set yourself up for that? I mean, unless you like that kind of thing. Not that there's anything wrong with that, imagine Seinfeldian eye roll....

I have a Rega Planar 3 turntable with an Ortofon Blue cartridge which has served me well. I’ve had them both now for two years and am around the 1000 hr mark which in itself draws debate.  

Actually if your elliptical stylus has been in used for more than 1000 hrs then you've been listening records with a worn needle for some time (at least for 400 hrs). Upgrade your 2M Blue with a stylus from higher model in this series such as Black or Bronze, get a stylus with better profile (Shibata or Line Contact) and it will be a significant upgrade at the lowest possible cost in your situation.   

I’m looking for opinions on either a cartridge upgrade, or a turntable.  Can go to 2000 for TT, also considering MC cartridge which would involve a new phonostage.  Let’s hear it.

Do both. It is more fun. With $2000 for a TT you'd better look for new Direct Drive Technics SL1200GR or some killer vintage direct drive turntables. 

I can't speak from first-hand experience but have you considered various mods out there for Regas? GROOVETRACER® SUBPLATTER as an example perhaps in combination with tonearm+isolation-feet+mat upgrade from Funk Firm, all which together, at least based on online reviews will give you sound quality at multiples of the upgrade cost.. just a suggestion.

@miketee Couldn't agree more with you on the clunky VTA adjustment by spacer only.  Such a ridiculous design.  Then you have the lack of azimuth adjustment.  Honestly, why would anyone consider upgrading a cartridge on a P3 if it's nearly mechanically impossible (due to flawed table design) to set up the cart properly????

Honestly, why would anyone consider upgrading a cartridge on a P3 if it’s nearly mechanically impossible (due to flawed table design) to set up the cart properly????

This is why he could upgrade only the stylus, but the cartridge was sold with this arm/turntable, no need to adjust anything.

In my opinion Rega turntable is a cheap plastic toy with a belt. My strong advice is upgrade to Technics direct drive, SL1200GR is under $2k new with warranty and slightly cheaper if used. Same Ortofon 2M can be used and properly adjusted on Technics tonearm like any other mid compliance MM/MI or MC in general.