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Rega P25...upgrade or replace

I've owned this rig for a while now, having upgraded from the P3. While it sounds very nice, it lacks the refined sound and resolution of...say a well recorded HDCD disc on my CD player. Table is stock, used with a Grado Ref. Platinum 1.5mV and Grado PH-1 (tried a ARC phono stage that was lifeless). I'm considering a step up to the Sonata cartridge, and tweaking the table/arm with one or more of the following: machined sub-platter, new counterweight, Cardas re-wire of arm, acrylic platter, Boston Audio platter mat.

Plan "B" would be picking up a nice pre-owned VPI Scout/JMW 9 setup...not sure on cartridge, but most likely the Sonata.

Any suggestions/advice from some of the analog gurus here?

System: BAT VK-300x w/ tube front end, Cardas Golden Cross cabling, CAL CL-15 CDP w/ JPS Digital AC power cord & VansEvers digital power conditioner, Tyler Acoustics Linbrook floorstanding monitors wired w/ Cardas.
hedgehog
hedgehog's avatar
hedgehog OP
144 posts
 
The "less energetic" label does not apply at all. I listened to Count Basie's "88 Basie Street" last night, and it absolutely boogied.

The Grado has been replaced. I replaced the LS-15/PH-1 combo with the Atma-Sphere MP-3.

I already use the Magic Eraser, and I agree with its efficacy.

The arm will be re-wired this Spring/Summer; once golf weather hits NH, I don't have the time for much listening.
piedpiper
753 posts
 
What did you replace the Grado with?
plinko
223 posts
 
I'm glad it boogied. I love the Basie records for that. I guess there are more ways to improve the table. The light and rigid school always seems to be mentioned as mandatory with Rega. I never tried the maple platforms and what not with my P5.
hedgehog's avatar
hedgehog OP
144 posts
 
Tim, I replaced the Grado PH-1, not the Ref. Platinum. Sorry, for the confusion. I won't be replacing the cartridge right away. I want to get you to rewire the RB-600 this Summer prior to a cartridge change. Otherwise, I won't get an overly accurate idea as to what changes occur with the rewire.

I started a post to inquire about a rebuild/upgrade of my existing cartridge. I have done a bit of reading on Soundsmith's site about their service. I may upgrade within the Grado line...don't know yet.
piedpiper
753 posts
 
got ti. interesting re: Soundsmith. I've seen there sight but have no direct experience. I was thinking of calling them sometime to inquire. I'd be curious to hear about any real results as well as any theory specific to the your Grado.
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