Help me improve Rega P2

The best way to improve a Rega P2 is to:

1. Remove the power cord from the table.
2. Move the table top another location.
3. Move a VPI Classic 3 to the position originally taken by the Rega. Make sure VPI table is level.
4. Attempt to plug the power cord into the VPI. If it doesn't fit, use the VPI power cord.
5. Relocate the cartridge from the Rega to the VPI.
6. Enjoy the upgrade modification.

7. Optional: List the Rega P2 for sale with the thousands of Linn tables being discarded for the same reason.

Sounds like someone has not heard a top spec Linn LP12....

Neither the Rega, nor the VPI hold a candle to a top spec LP12.

Comparing a Rega P2 to a VPI Classic 3 is ludicrous!

If you choose to upgrade the cartridge keep in mind that you should consider how well the load capacitance the cartridge would see in your setup matches the cartridge manufacturer's recommended range of load capacitance. Your phono stage has a rather high input capacitance of 220 pf. I would guess that the phono cable and turntable wiring adds roughly another 200 pf or so to that, bringing the total to the vicinity of 400 or 450 pf or thereabouts.

While that will be a suitable match for many MM cartridges, it is too high to be sonically optimal with many others. Including the Ortofons that have been mentioned (for which the recommended load capacitance range is 150 to 300 pf), and the Shure M97XE (for which the recommended load capacitance range is 200 to 300 pf). And I would be cautious about choosing any cartridge for which the manufacturer doesn't provide a load capacitance recommendation.

The manufacturer's recommendation for your present cartridge, btw, is 150 to 400 pf, which is a wider range than is usually specified. Just speculating, but perhaps Goldring's standards in deriving that spec are not as stringent as those of some of the other manufacturers.

Good luck. Regards,
-- Al

@Ilik - That's the funniest post I've seen in years. LP12s are more colored than an art museum.