Cartridge Upgrade for Rega P-25 Table

I have a couple of Denon 103D's that SoundSmith redid. I also have a Zu Audio/Denon 103 currently on my Oracle Delphi MKIV.

I did try one on the P25, but really didn't like it that much. I can't remember why? Maybe just a poor match or maybe it was my mood that day :-)

The 17D3, (or a 17D2MKII) would be an excellent choice.

One of the best things for you to do with your P25 is to get it off of those rubber feet. Put 3 Cardas blocks or dominos under the wood surround and it will improve performance. Have you rewired the arm and got an offset (dropped) counterweight for it yet?....that will further improve things.

I have not upgraded the P-25 at all. I will look into the Cardas Blocks and arm rewiring. Based on the numbers below I will have $1349 (479+870) of upgrade plus trade value in the P-25.

For another $250 I can buy a used VPI Scoutmaster currently on Audiogon. Would that be a better decision?

175 Rewiring (Cardas)
269 Tonearm Cable (Cardas)
35 Myrtlewood Blocks (Cardas)
479 Total

870 Audiogn BB Value for P-25

Thanks for your thoughts and ideas as I work through this.

Jperry...I have a Scoutmaster and love it.

I just bought a used Rega Planar 25 and intend to install a Sumiko Blue Point Special Evolution III MC cartridge. I've heard good things about this pairing - Rega and Sumiko. I would be interested to hear any other comments about this combination. By the way, I really like the look of the Rega. It's replacing an entry-level Pro-Ject Debut III turntable with Ortofon OM40 MM stylus. Actually, that turntable sounds great - but I prefer the esthetics of the Rega much better. I also ordered the GrooveTracer Reference Subplatter which should make a big difference in sound quality.