Rega P5 w/Denon 103R what should I upgrade to?

I have heard good things about the 103R and the mods performed by Zu Audio. If you like the general sound of it but want more, perhaps you should consider the 103R Zu? I think the P5 is a good table and can support the 103R or 103R Zu.

I have the JD9 too. Have you upgraded the tubes? This will make a very big difference in sound and might be all you need.

Also, make sure your P5 is well isolated, balanced and set up correctly with the correct settings on the JD9. Cheers.

Tbromgard, what tubes have you tried that you like?

Plenty of folks use the 103 with Rega arms, but IMHO it's not a good match. The cartridge likes to see a much higher effective mass than the Rega provides. That's why Zu, who use the Rega as their design center add mass to the cartridge.

I prefer the Denon's but it's horses for courses, a Dynavector DV20XL2 will get you all of what you want, and more. There's even one for sale here on Audiogon. It matches the arm very well.

@viridian, you're right but by using a "heavy weight" in the back and a head weight up front you effectively change the mass of the Rega arm while keeping all it's goodness... or at least that what works for me. YMMV

Vortrex - We get it, you don't like Rega turntables. Your posts on any Rega turntable question are non-productive and self serving.

To the OP - Dynavectors are great choices or the Rega Exact 2 if you want to go MM. Also make sure your P5 is on a light but rigid stand, not solid or dense as it will rob the table of it's intended lively sound.