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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
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.
hedgehog's avatar
hedgehog OP
144 posts
 
Tim, I'll certainly post my observations if/when I do anything with Soundsmith...probably in late Summer/early Fall.
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