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Turntable Upgrade question..

Hey, 

I've spent some time upgrading my system the past few weeks and I'm ready to look at a turntable upgrade.  I bought a Rega planar 1 as my first turntable and its served its purpose thus far, but I'm ready to get one that matches my current system.  Currently I'm running turntable--> Rega Phono MM Mk3--> Schiit Freya+ preamp--> Schiit Aegir--> Wharfedale Lintons.  

My prior setup wasn't great so I was happy with planar 1 for awhile, but with this better system I think I can get more out if I get a better turntable.  I like Rega and am leaning towards sticking with them, but would consider other models if anyone has any good recommendations.

I'd like to stay within $500-$600 so looking for something for a good value on the used market.  I've been looking at a used newer model RP3 with an elys2 cartridge or an RP25 from '99. Both are listed at the same price.  My question is would it be better to go with the newer RP3 that has an Elys2 cartridge or the P25? Reviews I've read seem to be in favor of the P25 vs the P3 but these are older reviews before the newer P3 was out.  
hmaudio
tablejockey
3,904 posts
 
You're in a terrible spot.

Endless recommendations for "the best" for your budget.  Whatever it is, play the hell out of it.
If the itch still persists, upgrade EVERYTHING until the wife threatens divorce.
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,773 posts
 
Save for longer and make a bigger jump. Technics SL1200GR will bring you to a new level. AT VM760ML cartridge.
(1210 in black)
bkeske's avatar
bkeske
5,597 posts
 
I don’t personally think moving into the $500-600 range is going to increase your enjoyment much. Your next step is going to take 3 to 4x that to make any significant sound quality impact, minimum. Much of that in improvement will be in the table and arm choice, not so much the cart or phono stage choices. IMO.
If that is what your budget is, you might consider a cart upgrade until you can invest much more. 
dj-listens's avatar
dj-listens
3 posts
 
I agree with wait till you can afford a better table. I recently had a Project 1Xpression and was looking to invest $1500 to upgrade. I tried a Rega P6 with exact cartridge which is about $1500 More than my setup. It was maybe a 5-10% improvement. I went to a VPI Prime Scout and the change is incredible. This ended up being around $3000 but the sound quality is maybe 2-3 times better than what I had.

hope my 2 cents helps
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
There's nothing I'd recommend for a few hundred dollars. Instead do like others recommend, take your time and plan for bigger moves. Baby steps, you will notice- and be ready for another baby step next week. Great strides, you will find the right table yields magnificent performance you could go with happily for years and years. Totally worth it. 

Keep in mind its not just the table. Its the table, arm, cartridge, and phono stage. Any one of these alone can elevate your music like you won't believe. Buy the right arm and it will serve you well through years as you upgrade phono stages. Or the right phono stage as you upgrade table, etc. My analog front end was built this way, with a table I'm still impressed with some 20 years later. Not many things in audio you can say that about. With turntables its rather common. So stop and think and take your time.

Meantime pick up some Nobsound springs, fO.q tape, and Walker Enzyme. Any one of these will be at least as big an improvement as you're likely to get from just a $600 table, and for a fraction of the cost. Hence the recommendations.
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