Does your phono stage support the lower gain of a Moving Coil cartridge or are you trying to stay within a certain output similar to a MM?
1st cartridge upgrade on 1st TT
Hey everyone,
I am looking to upgrade my 1st cartridge on my 1st TT.
A few years ago, I got into vinyl with a Rega RP8. Left it completely stock and just enjoyed the vinyl experience. Read and learned a lot. Still lots to learn!
I had been pondering an upgrade to a MM cartridge for a while.
The stock Exact cartridge got damaged during a recent move. Guess it's time to stop pondering and find a replacement.
Any RP 8 owners have suggestions?
Listening to mostly classical and jazz.
Not sure what to budget for this. Perhaps up to around $1k.
Thanks!
Would be helpful to see your system. There is a place under your UserID. @tooblue +1. Good choice for your first table also. I’m not familiar with. Cartridges in that price range. But many are… I am sure you will get lots of recommendations. But knowing your preamp and Phonostage will be very helpful… and speakers. |
One caveat with Rega tables is there’s not much flexibility with the VTA adjustment. You need to buy Rega spacers to help with VTA. |
Thanks for the responses! Still trying to clean up and organize after the move and will post pics shortly. Rega RP 8 >> Vincent PHO 8 >> Bryston BP 26 >> Ampzilla 2000 2nd Edition monoblocks >> Harbeth SHL5+ 40s (and now a new pair of PureAudioProject Trio 15 Coax)
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If you want to try MC and budget is up to $1K, just get the Rega Ania. Simple 3 screws to mount, adjust tracking force-good to go. No alignment hassles. If you can spend $300 more, get the Ania Pro. Forget the non Rega carts. For your setup as described-best bet until you’re ready to open your wallet for a more serious table/phono stage.
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£1k is a good budget for an MC. Don’t feel limited on cartridges to just Rega over VTA - either get spacers or a Ringmat with vta adjustment as they apparently go really well with the RP8. For £1k I’m sure u can get the Shelter 301 or the cheapest Zyx. I have a Monster Sigma Genesis 2000 which is from the same maker as Zyx and absolutely love it. I also have a Shelter 501 mk2 and guess the 301 is cut from the same cloth |