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Upgrade phono cartridge for Rega P3-24

Ok, I posted to this forum a while back regarding a replacement phono cartridge for my Rega P3-24 (It has the Elys II mounted). I was provided with a lot of advice, most of it related to the quality of the rest of my system, suggesting that I upgrade in those areas (most suggestions were for a different preamp) before I consider an upgrade to the cartridge.

My system at that time was:
1. Quad 22L2 Speakers
2. Adcom GFA 555 Amplifier
3. Cambridge Audio Azur 640 CD Player
4. Stock Rega P3-24
5. NAD C-162 Preamplifier

Since that time, I have done the following:
1. Purchased another Adcom GFA 555 Amp and an now biamping to the Quads
2. Have a Herbie's turntable mat to replace the stock felt Rega mat.
3. Sold the NAD Preamp and purchased a Cary SLP-94 with phono on Audiogon
4. Purchased a TTPSU for the Rega.
5. Built an isolation platform for the Rega with two hardwood shelves and Squash balls in between.
6. Bought a couple of Aurelex Subdudes for the speakers to isolate them a bit better.

So, the upgrades have made a big difference. The Cary has made the biggest difference, making it a joy to listen to CDs, and opening up the Rega. Herbie's mat damped my lp sound very well. TTPSU really stabilized the speed of the Rega. My home made TT isolation platform, believe it or not, really helped, as did the Subdudes.

Now I'm wondering if a new cartridge for the Rega would be advised, and if so, which ones might I consider given my current rig?

Sorry for the long post, but I really respect the advice I get on this site. Any help would be appreciated.
gmsasso
gmsasso OP
33 posts
 
Hi No Money and Adam:
Thanks. I was waiting to hear from those who had the Exact and who had switched from the Elys. Sounds like the Exact does substantially improve the P3-24. I'm going to check it out. I also love the Rega. For the money, it really does give you a taste of high end analog. I've got around 750 albums dating back to the 60's, cleaned them up on a VPI 16.5, and many of them sound terrific. Happy times at home.
pkubica
134 posts
 
The Exact cartridge is a good cartridge... no knocks there. My thoughts are that the Exact cartridge would be a good match for a stock P3-24, but with the upgrades that you have added to your table, you could easily justify more cartridge and get more improvement. The Lyra Dorian would be a nice step up from the Exact. Just make sure your phono stage will handle the .6mv MC cartridge.
gmsasso OP
33 posts
 
Hi Pkubica:
My Cary SP94/L phono section recommends a minimum output of 1.4mv. I will need a need a phono preamp, one I can trust will not compromise the Dorian. But, you know, if the Rega can handle it and the change really improves the sound, I'll find a way to do it. I love analog even though the cost is high. Thanks again for your help.
pkubica
134 posts
 
It would not hurt to try it without any other phono stage. It may or not be loud enough for your taste, but it should sound good. You actually would not need a complete phono stage, just a good quality step up transformer too bump up the MC output to that of a MM for your Cary.

kanskaudio.com has the Lundahl transformers (MC Phono Input Transformers). It's a step up kit for MC cartridges, easy and good solution, used as a MC front end in a lot of good phono stages.

Paul
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