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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
mordante
511 posts
 
Go for the P7 I would say. Spending more money on the p25 would seem a waste. I have owned a P25 and swtiched to a VPI Scout. I also thought about upgrading my P25 but I found out it is cheaper to just sell the P25 and buy a better turntable. A fully pimped P25 doesn't sell for much more then a standerd P25 I think.

I would skip the P5 and go straight for a P7, with the P5 you still need to buy the special motor controll unit to make it really good and with the P7 it comes as standerd.
johnbender OP
29 posts
 
Mordante: I've considered looking at the VPI, but haven't yet listened to one. I like the Rega sound. Can you tell me what you gained in your move from the P25 to the Scout?
frank_sm
113 posts
 
I would not sell your P25 until you are completely satisfied with whatever turntable you buy, should you decide to go that route. I know of a few people who had sellers remorse after being let down by their "new" purchase. The P25 was replaced by the P5 so you basically have something with some degree of rarity.

The P7 will definitely sound different than your P25 but will it satisfy you, given the price difference. I prefer the P5 as the best buy in the Rega line. I own a P5 and a P3/2000, although I outfitted my P3 with an RB-700 tonearm a few years ago. I know someone who is considering selling his P7 because he is so distracted by the P7 platter.
johnbender OP
29 posts
 
Very sound advice, Frank. Thanks!

BTW, I've seen that P7 platter spinning, and I can see where it might be a tad distracting.
mordante
511 posts
 
Johnbender,

It has been a while since I moved from the P25 to the VPI Scout. I find it hard to discribe a difference in sound.
I use a Lyra Dorian in my Scout. The Scout is a bit smoother less in your face then the Rega I think. Rgea is more about attack, fast en detailed. The scout to my ears is more about music. When I'm shopping for new gear I never go for the warm sounding, or the in your face sounding gear. I want to hear the details as part of the music. I don't want to listen to independent sounds. Neither do I want an overly warm and lush sound.
When I hear an acoustic gitaar I want to hear the small sound (ting) when the player hits snare but only as part of music the instrument makes.

I think I get that from my Scout with Dorian, the scout has a good foundation, the Dorian takes the music out and let me hear it.

I hope this was of any help.
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