Turntable upgrade

I had the chance to compare 3 different phono preamps if u care to upgrade there. I compared the rega aria, the rogue ares II and just the phono pre amp in my receiver. I didn’t think the rega was a huge difference from the receiver. However the rogue had more detail to it. I liked the fact it had separate power supply and tubes. I didn’t get a chance to try Hegel v10. Like sameyers1 I’m also running an ortofon bronze which was a great improvement over the red.

To be clear I agree a better phono stage will give the OP better sound with what he has, my take is go to the next level turntable and a decent mm will give a better sound than option one and from there improve down the line....better cart and better phono stage.

I upgraded my turntable to a brand new  P10 last year. So I thought. It was very disappointing. My old modified Heybrook TT2 was better in many regards. I sold  the P10 in the same month to replace it with a good old Linn LP12 fully upgraded with Kore, Cirkus and Lingo 3. What a difference!
A well equipped LP12 does it for me and there are excellent ones on the second hand market. The other option for me would be a new Pure Fidelity. I just installed their Stratos cartridge and it is absolutely fantastic for the price. Better than a Hana ML and comparable to the Umami blue (a bit less detail but more punch and soundstage).

bottom line, moving from a P6 to a P8 is not a real upgrade IMHO. After finding the right turntable then pick the matching phono stage if not satisfied with current one. The phono stage will not correct the source if it not at your satisfaction level. Good luck and keep us posted.

I really do not like the look of the P8 or 10. 

I would really switch brands then. With all the TT changes you describe, you may not realize a lot of improvements. 

I tried the Parasound 2125v2 for a month and it was underwhelming to say the least. The only thing I wouldn't change in your chain is the TT, so much for staying on point.

Stick with Rega....They are the best bang for the buck. The Apheta 3 cart on the P8 is a big step up from the P6 w/ Ania cart.