New Phono Cart with Character Needed
I want to replace a Rega Ania MC phono cart on a Rega P3 because the current setup is lifeless, flat, and un-engaging. Phono stage is a Pass Labs XP17. The music produced currently is full of detail, very lifelike, instruments all sound very real, good upper end extension, but there is no there there. I can plug my phone into my multibit DAC and stream Jazz Groove and have a better experience because the sound is richer and has more oomph. I want warmth, oomph, texture, and wows from my analog. The Ania is just too flat, clinical and dry. I want to trade that for some color and a little more strength behind the notes. Budget is $1000. I mostly listen to Jazz. All suggestions are welcome.
Rega Ania MC Cart specs: Input Load Impedance 100 Ω, Output Impedance 10 Ω, Nominal output voltage 350 μV, Tracking Pressure 1.75 - 2.00 g
Rega P3 has been upgraded with GrooveTracer delrin platter and subplatter.
My Apheta 2 / RP-10 combo was dry as well. I tried a DV XX2/2 and a Soundsmith Zephy and neither sounded special on this table. Then a Goldring 1042. It needed a 2 mm (arm base) shim and careful alignment. Crosstalk checked to within 10% it sings with rock or jazz. Above 10%, although competent, the character evaporates completely. Would love to try a Nagaoka. |
An Incognito rewire of your tonearm will be a revelation. Because there will be a separate ground cable you will be able to use moving iron cartridges. With he common ground system utilized by Rega, there will often be a problem with hum. The wire utilized by Rega is not audiophile quality. A demagnetizer for a moving coil cartridge is also a good idea. |
I would consider upgrading the arm of the P3 to a RB880 (which has better wiring) from Rega. Back when I had a P5, I upgraded the arm to it from the older RB700 that came with it. Incredible difference. Even more than when I upgraded the table to the P8. Reducing distortion is the whole key, and arms make a huge difference, which Rega is know for. For the price they ask for the RB880, you can't touch it for probably 2-3 times the price. |
Myself, I'm thinking the Shelter 501 iii may be a good choice. I buy a new Cartridge every two years. My 1200GR Tone Arm is not a good match for an SPU or Denon 103.
Fremer did a review a few years back: https://www.analogplanet.com/content/gimme-shelter-501-mkiii |
I absolutely love my Shelter Accord (warm, musical, fun) and Shelter 7000 (more incisive and detail oriented, but still rocks like hell). Harmony is excellent too, but I’ve learned the sonics of carbon fiber in analog doesn’t gel with my preferences. I wanted to buy a new 901 Mk III last year, but they couldn’t even fill the order. I’ve flirted with trying a 501 Mk III. Better get it now because Shelter seems to be winding down. A couple of folks who have worked on hundreds / thousands of cartridges, every make and vintage imaginable - Joseph Long (aka groovetickler) and Delta667 (Russian cartridge rebuilder & designer on Vinyl Engine forums) seem MOST impressed by the skill, quality and consistency of Shelter’s coil windings. You can see examples from other brands that look like slop, but never from Shelter. |
