Upgrading from Rega P5 TT

Wouldn't the P7 be a lateral move, since you have you have a P5 with the Groovetracer subplatter and counterweight? You already have the speedbox. The tonearm on the P7 is the RB700, which is the same on the P5.

I have a P5 with the suite of Groovetracer products(subplatter, counterweight and delrin platter). I think my next move might be swapping out the RB700 tonearm for a RB1000. If not, I just may save up for a used P9. I think going for an RP6 or P7 would be a lateral move.

I would get a price break because I have the power supply.

I have a very modded (some may say fully modded) P5, and it is still better than the Simplex, but I would say I enjoy both very much. The P5 has a touch more air, is more resolving, and has better extension. The Simplex wins out in low noise and ease of setup and maintenance.

I had the VPI Classic for about a month to compare directly against the P5, and the P5 won handily in all around musicality. The VPI could pull out more info, but at a steep price in lowered musicality with 85% of my LP collection. Definitely NOT a good use of money to my ears.

I have the full set of GT mods (subplatter, Delrin platter, and Counterweight), rewired the arm with Incognito copper, added VTA adjustment with Riggle's VTAF, fully decoupled the motor, added the double belt pulley. These are mods I paid for, mostly used.

I then "copied" the Rega RP3/6 series design by adding a DIY carbon fiber brace between the plinth and arm, and that really brought resolution and resonance control up a notch. Without the brace, the P5 is a bit less distinct, fast, and resolving, but always musical and enjoyable. I've also added DIY damping to minimize distortion (Delrin bearing collar, Herbie's grungebuster). See the Rega thread at VinylEngine for the full details.

Then I added an Audiomods Classic arm, and boy what a difference that made. No longer use the GT counterweight or VTAF, but they are good upgrades nonetheless. They just won't work with the AM arm.

The bottom line is: the P5 is a great machine to use either stock or in upgraded form. Sure, you could spend $2.5K on a Simplex or VPI, but spending the same amount you could be just as happy with a used P5 with mods and adding an Audiomods arm. If you are handy and your system is revealing enough, you will be paid back with every mod/upgrade/tweak that I've done.

That said, if you want simple and satisfying, the Simplex will also take you there.

After talking and looking at all the alternatives with my local dealer about the P7 and cart upgrade.
I deceided on getting the Dynavector DV-20XL. Getting a 20% discount by trading in my 10x5 and my dealer setting up the 20XL.
Got home put 20 hrs on the cart and I can say that I am extremely happy is an understatement.

Thanks to all for your input and views.

I love my P5, the music it makes is very satisfying to my ears, and thus I see no reason to change. I started with the basic P5, and moded my Benz Micro Glider with their ruby cantilever and highest diamond stylus upgrade. That brought the sound stage more into focus ($350) and added more detail.
Then I installed a pair of Bybee purifier bullets ($770) right before each full range driver inside my Kalinowski back loaded horns. That cleaned up the sound and made the presentation more dynamic, with more sparkle and punch. The phono-pre is an E.A.R.834P ($1400).
My point is this, you all have different flavors of excellent turntables. Once you are comfortable with one, your money may be best spent in upgrading/twaking the rest of your system.
The P5 and the other Rega tables are easy to set up, and great to listen to.