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Rega P25 cartridge upgrade

Hi all, 

I would appreciate your advice and opinions regarding a cartridge upgrade for my Rega P25.

My current system:
- Rega P25 with Grado Prestige Gold.
- Marantz PM6004 
- Neat Iota speakers (http://neatacoustics.com/iota/)

I listen to a broad range of music from electronic to jazz to rock.

The Grado Gold came with the Rega when I bought it used a few years back and unfortunately the stylus appears to have been bent during a recent house move (dont ask...). I thought it would therefore be a good time to upgrade the cartridge. 

I'm using the phono stage on the Marantz amp which is listed as only compatible with MM. Music is important to me and I'm keen for a great sound but dont think I've got time to get lost in exploring MCs and phono stages etc currently so feel like a good quality MM would be sufficient. Looking to spend £200-300 max.

A few potential options I've discovered:

- Ortofon 2M Black
- Goldring 1042.

Any thoughts or experience would be appreciated. 

Thanks

Thom
thomlocke
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
@vasaudio

I have a Grace F8C, new old stock one that I got from a Grace collector. Either never played them or he only demo-ed them. He was weird guy that just liked to look at the cartridges but I liked the guy for that. I think it would be better than the 2M Black, if you are interested.

Especially if you will buy the original Grace RS8 Ruby stylus from me :)

Another great cartridge would be Pickering XSV-3000 Stereohedron, honestly i think this is the best contender without breaking the bank @thomlocke
schubert
7,386 posts
 
+3 for Exact if for nothing more than 3 hole mounting .
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
So what is special about that Rega cartridges, the Exact is $400-550 cartridge with more than 6mV output and Vital Diamond. I think all Rega cartridges made by Audio-Technica, because Rega is not a cartridge manufacturer at all. The price is crazy compared to some killer vintage MM in $200-400 range, with better cantilevers, better diamonds, more conventional output for phono preamps. Why anyone need a 3 hole mounting if 2 holes are OK for decades ? 


mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
4,992 posts
 
So what is special about that Rega cartridges

+1  I agree.  I was a Rega dealer for many years, (I've set up hundreds of Rega tables and arms) and really like all their gear...except the cartridges.  I gave up on those over 30 years ago.  I find that they are nothing special and seem overpriced compared to what else is out there.

Sorry, HUGE Rega fan here, but not the carts...
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,497 posts
 
Hi Thom, I can tell you with the utmost certainty that if your looking for a big upgrade in sound from a cartridge, look no further than the Dynavector 10X5. This is a high output MC cartridge that will work fine with a MM phono input/stage. All I can say is get ready to jump!

I own a J.A. Michell Gyro SE (third gen Techno arm) with a Dynavector 20x2L. I progressively arrived here after using a REGA P3/24 (RB301 tonearm) with a 10X5 and it is one of the best combos i can remember hearing. Also, i used the 10X5 on a Pro-Ject Xtension 10, and sold this table to my brother which he still uses to this day.

Matt M                    

P.S. Also, Ill mention I use a Manley Labs Chinook phono pre amp, my brother uses a Musical Surroundings Nova II.
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