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

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.

I tried a 103R in my Linn LP12 with a Rega RB300 arm and in my Denon DP 61F and while it was very good I much prefer the Audio Techinca 33 PTG to the 103R in either setup. Not a put down of the 103R but if you search the archives you will find a number of folks who feel the AT is a substantial step up from the Denon.

TS0711 I will respectfully demur. I have owned 8 or 9 Rega arms over the years, have added mass and the TWL counterweight as well as the Expressimo and various other geegaws and your idea of adding mass at the headshell and the counterweight will absolutely increase the effective mass of the arm.

It will also change the bending modes within the arm and hence the resonant structure of the arm as well as the load on the bearings. YMMV and appartently does.

No doubt, some will find this a solution, but I did not find it a substitute for a true high mass arm.