Turntable - The Next Step
Hi All. I currently have a Rega P3 turntable with an Elys 2 MM cartridge and my phono amp is a Musical Surroundings Phonomena II. I am looking to upgrade in the near future. What would be the logical next step up to significantly improve my experience? In an effort to limit expense, will replacing one part of my set up (i.e. cartridge, amp, turntable) do the trick with this kind of budget - phono amp < $800, cartridge < $400, complete turntable , < $2000? Thanks in advance for your thoughts!
Although the Phenomena phono is good, if it were me: Hagermann Trumpet Technics SL1200GR Audio Technica VM760SLC ( or similar MM )
That combo is under $3500 all in. I know these are not new ideas, there is a reason they are mentioned over and over...for another few hundred add a cheap mono cart and another headshell :) |
First, you need to decide if you will stick to MM or change to MC in the future. I would first upgrade the cartridge. If Phonomena II supports MC, I would try something like Denon DL103r. I think you will feel the difference immediately. Then, you can think about upgrading the phono stage to something like Allnic H1202 or Herron VTPH-2A. I use Denon DL103r and Allnic H1202 and it sounds pretty good. I also use Ortofon MC20 super, SoundTradition's Live! MC-10 SUT, and Magi Phonomenal MM which sound better than Denon and Allnic. |
I believe your next step is a VPI Scout or ScoutMaster. The original Scout got rave reviews. The Scoutmaster was its big brother and even better. I had one before I got my Teres and was well pleased. But the cocobolo just begged me to come get it.. The Prime Signature seems to have taken its place with updates. I'd probably take the whole budget and move to this TT I've had 2 or 3 VPI TT's. Their customer service is very good as are their products. They usually have a good upgrade path if you want to upgrade. You won't need much if any with this one. But keep it in mind if you decide on another VPI,. FWIW I have no affiliation with the seller. Its a little above your budget but you may get it for that if you make an offer. I also had an MMF 7 TT. when they came out. It was good for the price. But the VPI was a big upgrade from it. Good luck to you
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@gnoworyta which arm is fitted to the P3? |
