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Cartridge for Rega RP3 or RP6 in AN system

Hi,
I'm one of the many getting back into vinyl. My budget for a turntable is 1000 Dollars, so I am thinking of getting a Rega RP3 or a used RP6. Let me know if there's anything significantly better for $1000.

The Rega Exact cartridge seems fine, but the cartridge is a really important element, so I am very interested in hearing with experience in using different quality cartridges on the RP3. My budget for the cartridge is 600 Dollars.

My system:
Audio Note Meishu amplifier, Audio Note J speakers, Audio Note Spe speaker cables, Sogon signal cable

My budget for a phono stage is $1000 and I'm considering a Croft Acoustics, but perhaps also just a Rega Phono MM.

Musical preferences: Classical music from all time periods, lots of acoustic jazz, country, bluegrass.

Thanks in advance

Fred
fabsound
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,180 posts
 
The REGA Exact is a great Cartridge and is NOT dull, in fact its the opposite of dull, lively,dynamic,punchy, great with rock and jazz. Also, for a little less money and an even better full range cartridge is the Dynavector 10X5 $450.00. This is a awesome match for the RB301 tonearm. Go with the RP3 and get some upgrades from Groovetracer. You can buy a clear or black acrylic platter AND a much better Subplatter and bearing....SUPER easy to replace. And you get a real spindle so you can use a nice record clamp. Also, for $120 buy the Isolation kit from Mapleshade.com it is well worth the money. And for a Phono Pre find a used or new Musical Surroundings Phonomena 2 , Used $350 new $600.....it is a real giant killer.
schubert
4,867 posts
 
If you are gonna do all that just buy the cheapest Pro-ject that uses the 9cc tonearm and be done with it .
jetrexpro
500 posts
 
I was recently searching for a new MM cart to replace an aging Exact cart on my
Rega p3-24. I stumbled into the Audio Note IQ3 it is very good and a step up
from the Exact. Since you are already an Audio Note user IQ3 would be a natural
choice. If you are handy with a solder gun build the ANKits L3 Phono Pre and
then you would have some nice synergy.
Jet
kiko65
279 posts
 
Under $1,500.00 you cannot go wrong with Rega.

RP3, RP6, modified or not, they will give ANY other TT company a run for their money. Fast, detailed, with enough PRaT that will give Linn a healthy dose of goosebumps!

Better TTs out there? Absolutely! But for a lot more $$$.

As Schubert mentioned before, the Exact seems to get little respect. IMHO, excellent for the price. However, not better than the likes of DV 10x5, AT 150MLX, or Denon DL 103R.

Not a big fan of Pro-ject arms. Rega arms are, and always will be, the staple of affordable built tonearms.

Now, for classical/jazz, the extremely affordable Marantz TT-15 with included Clearaudio Virtuoso Ebony Wood cartridge is the way to go. Pair it with any $500.00 phono pre of choice and..........well, the rest is up to you.
fabsound OP
31 posts
 
Thanks to everyone for sharing your wisdom. This is really helpful. Thanks also for respecting my budget. The only remsining question for me is the phono stage. I'm thinking about going with the rega phono stage for a start and then replace it later when I can afford it. However, if anyone has experience with tube based phono stages for under $1000, I'd be grateful to hear from you.
Thanks!
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