Analog upgrade

@kerrybh - I have the previous version of the Moon 310 - i.e. he LP5.3 RS, and I have stopped looking any further.

I did not go with the separate power supply, because I believed I could improve the sound quality by using a great power cable - and I was NOT disappointed.

It also pays to use the very best interconnects also.

For commercial products I recommend Zavfino, In-Akustik and Nordost.

I use my own DIY cables built from scratch......

My Audio Alchemy (image99.net)

Read what other members think of them here...

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/duelund-conversion-to-diy-helix-geometry-cabling

The Moon products are very well made, extremely quiet and very neutral sounding (with the right cables) and the 610 would provide even better micro-details - but that’s too rich for my pocket book, even for such a stunning looking component

Since you have a Rega, you might take a look at the Audiomods arms. They are basically "plug and play" on the Rega decks and will elevate the sound quality significantly

www.audiomods.co.uk

Each arm is custom built to your requirements and can take 6-8 weeks to build. I had the Micro-VTA adjustment and the one piece harness options.

I have the older Audiomods "Classic" model with the bead blast finish and love it !

Audiomods Tonearm | My Audio Alchemy (image99.net)

I started my analogue journey back in 1981 with the Rega Planar II and have since upgraded everything, to the point where the only original parts left are the Plexiglass Cover and the ON/OFF switch

Turntable Mod’s | My Audio Alchemy (image99.net)

But my current choice of turntable i.e. if I were to replace it, would be the Music Hall MMF 9.3 or MMF 11.3, because they incorporate everything I have learned about good turntable and arm design at a "reasonable" price

As far as cartridges go - i like the Sound-smith products

• I have a Denon DL103
• with the Soundsmith Ruby Cantilever and Optimized Contour Contact Line stylus
• And added a brass plate to increase the mass to better match the arm
• See this link for details Denon DL 103 Tweak | My Audio Alchemy (image99.net)
• Adding the Brass plate improved cartridge stability a lot, much like the Zu 103  cartridge upgrade

Hope that helps - Steve

@kerrybh have you listened to Clearaudio tables/arms? What about them makes you want to choose them? Cheers,

Spencer

The Ovation is a lot of money for what you are getting and not as much of a leap over the Rega as you might think. You can get a Sota Sapphire and put a Kuzma 4 point 9 or a Schroder CB on it for not much more. You will have an isolated turntable and a much better arm. You can also get a really nice dust cover with the Sota.

The Boulder is a fine phono stage I prefer the Channel D Lino C 3.0 which you can tailor to suit your needs but if you get heavy handed with the options the price can get up to $7000. It is a transimpedance phono stage like the BMC, Sutherland Loco and CH Precision. This allows you to get a lot of gain out of very low impedance MC cartridges and yet maintain an excellent signal to noise ratio. You also do not have to worry about loading the cartridge. You can add a voltage mode input and /or a moving magnet input if you want. Check out the reviews on the Lino C. 

Thanks for the replies. Very helpful.

I've heard the Clearaudios at my dealer but obviously not with the same system has mine. I know there are many good options-maybe better-but I'm loyal to my dealer and will stay with him if its close. He was great i helping me put together my system (as he should be) and provides great service if any glitches arise. That's very important to me as I would be baffled. 

@kerrybh Did the dealer compare other tables in that system for you? Not too many have enough in their stock of varying brands to allow for meaningful comparisons.

I ask because IMHE, the clearaudios look great, but that's about it. I'm sure their fans will chime in with the other side of the story, but whether you lean towards Sota (like me & @mijostyn), Technics if DD is your cup of tea, or even VPI (top seller in the price class), MHO, you'll get more for your money. Cheers,

Spencer