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Help me improve Rega P2

Wondering about the most (cost) effective tweaks to improve my P2. Currently have a Goldring Elektra cartridge and feeds into a Creek OBH-8 phono stage and then into solid state preamp and amp. Speakers are Symphonic Line Legato. I would think that a new cartridge might provide biggest change but wonder what others would think. Considering the Rega Bias 2 or Elys 2 mostly for ease of installation and alignment as well as presumed synergy. Certainly I'm open to other suggestions. Other considerations would be a new sub-platter(the one from Argentina) or new mat. Should mention that I have the glass platter, white belt and thick felt mat. Don't really have a specific complaint about the current system except that I suspect it can sound better. Perhaps more full sound or better bass. Willing to spend up to $300 so not interested in suggestions to get a better TT.
Thanks in advance. Jim
jmg1949
59 responses Add your response
vernneal's avatar
vernneal
438 posts
 
OK. Sell it and but a VPI
It will be improved

Seriously forget the tweaks and buy a new MC cartridge
xiekitchen
821 posts
 
Try some different turntable mats.. I replaced my original felt mat with an Audioquest Sorbethane mat, this was back around 1991 and it was an immediate improvement.. I think the paper and cork mat from Ringmat... this is an audible improvement over the stock felt mat.
dayglow
1,917 posts
 
With a non suspended table vibration is the evil enemy. My Rega P9 has made a solid improvement by replacing the stock feet with Foculpods. Everything is more relaxed and cleaner, for about $30 the risk is nil.
jmg1949 OP
18 posts
 
Thanks so much for all of the replies. As usual, lots to think about.

Jim
Post removed 
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,497 posts
 
"There is not much you can do to improve the sound of your P2 for $300.00"

NOT TRUE,

JMG,Just change the bearing and sub platter system...This will make the table much quieter and will spin much more reliably. Lucky for you JMG, just go to Groovetracer.com and buy the sub platter upgrade for around $200-$250 and it comes with a new cubic zerconia ball bearing and sapphire thrust plate with steel spindle. Awesome upgrade. Your P2 has a great tone arm and your cartridge is good...the sub platter (plastic) and bearing are not (steel ball). This upgrade alone brings the table up a couple notches AND if you partner it with a good Isolation platform ( I use one from Mapleshade-$120.00) ,the P2 really shines. Once this is done you can think about changing cartridges.Happy upgrading!
effischer
562 posts
 
A cartridge will make the biggest single difference. Second the 2M Red or perhaps Blue; excellent values. Also worthwhile would be a good cartridge protractor and a large, strong bench magnifier. Pro-Ject makes a nice protractor that also has stroboscopic strips on the opposite side. Bench mags are available pretty much everywhere, but get one that is illuminated and has at least 5X magnification (not diopter) if possible.

Like Kiko, I'm also a Dynavector fan. A DV MR23RS in my Planar 2 kicked me into audiophile land. Worth every penny and then some. Something to strive for.

Good luck & happy listening!
tubehead21
23 posts
 
When I had my P2, i saw the biggest improvement after doing the Incognito tonearm wire upgrade.

I don't know anything about an Argintinian sub platter, but I had great results with the one from groove tracer.
kiko65
279 posts
 
There is not much you can do to improve the sound of your P2 for $300.00

Not a big fan of Rega carts but the general consensus indicates that the Elys 2 would be the way to go and yes, installation and alignment would be a breeze.

Maybe an Ortofon 2M Red/Bellari VP130 for about $350.00 would be an "upgrade" but then again, it may NOT be at all.

Big fan of DV P-75/DV 10x5 but it will bring the price to at least $800.00 for the combo.

Good luck :-)
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