2. analog
  3. 158930-118666

Analog Upgrade - Phono Preamp or Cartridge?

I've seen dated threads on this type of conversation but hoping to get some feedback from the forum on what their recommendations would be for my specific set-up, which is:

Amp: Hegel 590
Speakers: Focal Kanta 2
Sub: REL T9
Streamer: Blusound Node 2i
Turntable: Rega P6
Cartridge: Rega Exact 2MM
Phono Pre-Amp: Moon/Simaudio 110LP V2 Phono Preamplifier

Long story short, I'm hearing a discernible improvement going from analog playback to digital playback. I'm in no way an audiophile, but to me the analog set-up lacks clarity, mid-range and feels more "compressed" relative to the digital versions.  This becomes even more discernible when I can compare Hi-Res / MQA utilizing Qobuz/Tidal vs an LP.  I can appreciate there may be cases where I'm dealing with a weaker quality LP vs. digital but even with new records (180 gram to boot), I'm still hearing a pretty big difference.  

My hunch is that I've just got a superior digital set-up when you take into account the DAC Hegel puts in the H590. Am I crazy to think that based upon the analog and digital components I have?     

Considering the 110LP has flexibility to handle moving coil or moving magnet, would you recommend I upgrade the cartridge first?  If so, what cartridges do people recommend in the $500 - 1,500 price point that reproduce a natural sound with great clarity?

Or would you get a top tier phono preamp first? If so, what preamps are worth checking out in a similar price point?

Any insight would be greatly appreciated from the forum,
Craig




craigjacoby
tablejockey
3,904 posts
 
If I had a Rega, I would just get an upper level cart at the price point of my choice.

No fuss with alignment, just install and enjoy.
Reviews are not the end all, but at least this gives you some insight
https://www.whathifi.com/rega/planar-6-ania/review

https://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=REANIA

Anything more than that, time for a P8/10 
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
This is your cartridge?
Do you know your tonearm effective mass? 
craigjacoby OP
6 posts
 
@chakster yes, that’s the cartridge I have on the RP6.  It was bundled from Upscale Audio.  I had issues when it originally arrived as the connections to the cartridge were actually wrong.

I do not.  Is there a way to find out what it is for a newbie like me? 
craigjacoby OP
6 posts
 
@tablejockey thanks a lot for the feedback.  Long story short, but my original set-up when I purchased the Rega was limited to MM which pushed me away from the Ania to the Exact.  Painful to know that if I could have just taken the Ania in the first place, I might be completely content with my current analog set-up.
limomangus's avatar
limomangus
1,426 posts
 
Your set is very good for the amount you spent. Try some different  lps.
More to discover