1st cartridge upgrade on 1st TT

Narrowed it down to the Xyx Bloom 3 and the Rega Ania Pro.

Anyone have experience with both?

I appreciate the recommendations!

£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

+1 for the Ania mc cartridge! 

Why to downgrade from Vincent to Shiit, that is really strange.

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.

With the RP8 and the lack of VTA you will want to stay in the Rega family of cartridges. They do make some really good cartridges. The suggestion to call Upscale is a good one.

Good luck.

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)
@tooblue  My phonostage will support MM cartridges. But thought that as a starter, it would need to be replaced too. 

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.
It’s safe to stick with a Rega cartridge but you can try and see if any good MC will fit. It’s important to match the cartridge to the arm. I’d give Upscale Audio a call to see what they usually mount on that table. 

RP8 stick with the Rega carts. 

Not sure why anyone needs to see pictures of your turntable. 

Google is your friend.

https://www.rega.co.uk/products/cartridges

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.

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?