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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
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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rauliruegas
13,060 posts
 
Dear Johnbender: There are options on your budget, some of this options for second hand vintage " great " cartridges like these:

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgcart&1258377072&/Technics-EPC-205Cmk3 , yes I know that for this you need a removable headshell tonearm design. This kind of tonearm can give you advantages of what you have right now and the cartridge is something to own.

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgcart&1259282100&/Shure-V-15-Type-3 this one is a good option due that comes with the Jico SAS stylus replacement.

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?anlgcart&1260017308&/B-O-mmc-20cl good cartridge if you can get for a lower price than what the seller ask.

http://cgi.ebay.com/AUDIO-TECHNICA-AT15Sa-AUDIOPHILE-CARTRIDGE-AT-15Sa_W0QQitemZ120481913360QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item1c0d481a10#ht_500wt_1182

the Reson Reca is very good option too, read here what a Rega owner say about ( Dr_joe ):
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?eanlg&1205040225&openfrom&6&4

this one is extraordinary ( MMC2 ):
http://www.elexatelier.com/bangandolufsenphono.htm

As you can see there are several good options.

Regards and enjoy the music,
Raul.
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