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Turntable - The Next Step

Hi All. I currently have a Rega P3 turntable with an Elys 2 MM cartridge and my phono amp is a Musical Surroundings Phonomena II. I am looking to upgrade in the near future. What would be the logical next step up to significantly improve my experience?  In an effort to limit expense, will replacing one part of my set up (i.e. cartridge, amp, turntable) do the trick with this kind of budget - phono amp < $800, cartridge < $400, complete turntable , < $2000?  Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

gnoworyta
sandthemall
544 posts
 

How about:

1) Hagerman Trumpet MC phono stage

2) AT33PTGII  cartridge

3) Technics 1200GR

I have the above with the only difference being a Technics 1200G.

This is a great combo...goosebumps on great recordings.

Please don't listen to the nonsense about removable headahells. It's so wonderful to be able to fine tune azimuth and have a bunch of cartridges on headahells at the ready.

hifi28
50 posts
 

I would suggest looking into a MoFi Ultradeck with the MasterTracker and the MoFi Supper Heavyweight. For a cheaper record weight, the BigBen by Hudson Hi-Fi from Amazon (exact same weight and diameter only 1/8" higher, but of course different material). 

socalml528's avatar
socalml528
121 posts
 

Why not stay in the Musical Surroundings  family?  Clearaudio Concept or Innovations and Hana SH or SL cart.  Your excellent Phenomena II will handle MC or MM; I'd go MC. These MS components are designed  integrate together very well.  

infection's avatar
infection
807 posts
 

@gnoworyta  I only ask because a great tonearm will extract more from your cartridge. You could upgrade parts of the P3 & rewire/mod the tonearm...or get an Audiomods Classic III tonearm. 

pindac's avatar
pindac
2,471 posts
 

It is time to Travel and receive demonstrations, if this is an option that can be considered.

Using ones ears is the most valuable method to make prepare for making an upgrade.

The familiarity with the owned TT Set Up will allow a immediacy to identify with an attraction or detractor during an demonstration of an alternative TT Set Up.

If you can make an arrangement with a premises that offers demonstrations to allow you to bring your set up to be used for comparison, this is a very good start, a home demonstration is even better but not as easy to get offered.

Make a Box to transport your TT safely, bring your Phonostage to a premises that has offered a TT demonstration, and have this used during the demonstrations, an alternate Phon' can also be introduced as well to extend the experience.

Transit and time does have a cost, but it is nominal and the absolute fundamental requirement to assess what is attractive to you without laying out large sums to find out the purchase is not too impressive.  

Not rushing into this will be good, and if a few items of interest can be discovered through the forum all is well and good.

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