Update needed


I want to upgrade my analog rig, but I'm not sure what to tackle first. I'm using a Rega P5 turntable, Dynavector 10x5 cartridge and Dynavector P75 phono preamp. What component upgrade would make the biggest improvement for me? Thanks.

piqir

That is a hard one. I have to agree with @deadhead1000. Especially not knowing the rest of your system and preferences. There is a place under your User ID to put photos and your components. That would be very helpful.

 

Also, how big a jump are you planning? My rule of thumb is no less than 2x if you want to have a real wow moment when you hear it.

Having said that. If I were you, I think I would do the turntable. I owned a number of budget turntables when younger. The system sound took a huge jump when I got a real high end table… although I simultaneously got a high end cartridge. For me it was a VPI Aries and Van den Hull Frog.

 

I then upgraded my phono stages multiple times until it stopped making a big difference… for me that was the $8K Audio Research PH8. This is available now used at half the price. This would still be an excellent choice.

 

So, I would recommend looking at tables in the $3K range… or obviously higher if that is possible. This will put you in a much higher performance bracket. Then you will get a great improvement when replacing the cartridge and phono stage.

Assuming you have a good quality preamp, amp and speakers in a good sound space.

The REGA Turntable can be elevated by upgrades through GROOVETRACER.com, highly recommended. The Dynavector 10X5 is a incredibly good sounding cartridge and new versions go for $750! The fact that you have this 10X5 mounted on a REGA tonearm shows you know what your doing as this is a very synergistic combo! THE key to awesome vinyl sound is the phono pre amp, I would try a Musical Surroundings NOVA , or phonomena ll. To spend more money just makes things more sensitive and takes some of the fun factor away IMO.

 

 

Matt M