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Upgrade modded P25 to P7 or uprade cartridge

I'm looking down the road and wondering where I might get the best bang-for-buck upgrade on my vinyl rig.

My current source is a Rega P25 with Groovetracer subplatter, Michell Tecnoweight, Funk Firm Achromat, and VTAF. I'm dangling a Dynavector 10x5.

Given the modifications I've installed on my P25, I'm wondering how much I might benefit from moving up the line to a P7. Obviously, the P7 has an upgraded platter, improved tonearm, and also the TT-PSU. If I went this route, I would keep my 10x5.

Another option is to keep my P25 and upgrade my cartridge by moving up the Dynavector line to, say, a DV-20x.

I guess it all depends on how close my P25 modifications bring my deck to the P7.

Any input or advice is appreciated.

(Associated equipment: SAC Gamma phono pre (MM/MC), Earmax headphone amp, Sennheiser HD-600s.)
johnbender
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rauliruegas
13,101 posts
 
Dear Johnbender: IMHO a source change can/could give you a better quality performance improvement than the TT change.

You can try a MM/MI cartridge that are very good performers and IMHO better than the MC ones. The MM/MI cartridges likes a 100kohms on load impedance and you can order for 10.00 euros an extra plug for that impedance change to the builder: woth to try it.

regards and enjoy the music,
Raul.
johnbender OP
29 posts
 
Raul: Do you have any particular MM recommendations within the $550-600 (new) range? The ones I know of are Ortofon 2M Black and Clearaudio Aurum Beta.

Stefani: I do have an ungraded counterweight. I had forgotten about the rewire option.

Thank you for your suggestions.
jfrech's avatar
jfrech
1,816 posts
 
I would not discount the impact of the TT PSU. Can you order that separately for your p25? I am not that familiar with the rega current designs (I did have a p25 years ago).

I'd add this to the list to consider...Good luck!
johnbender OP
29 posts
 
I have considered a speed controller, Jfreck, but for the price, I'm not too far off from an upgrade to a pre-owned P7, which comes with a TT-PSU.
goatwuss
877 posts
 
What I would do, is upgrade to the P7 and start with the Dyna cart you already have, it is a good one.

Then, when funds allow, feel free to upgrade your cart
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