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Help me improve Rega P2

Wondering about the most (cost) effective tweaks to improve my P2. Currently have a Goldring Elektra cartridge and feeds into a Creek OBH-8 phono stage and then into solid state preamp and amp. Speakers are Symphonic Line Legato. I would think that a new cartridge might provide biggest change but wonder what others would think. Considering the Rega Bias 2 or Elys 2 mostly for ease of installation and alignment as well as presumed synergy. Certainly I'm open to other suggestions. Other considerations would be a new sub-platter(the one from Argentina) or new mat. Should mention that I have the glass platter, white belt and thick felt mat. Don't really have a specific complaint about the current system except that I suspect it can sound better. Perhaps more full sound or better bass. Willing to spend up to $300 so not interested in suggestions to get a better TT.
Thanks in advance. Jim
jmg1949
phasecorrect's avatar
phasecorrect
2,013 posts
 
Easy route...Hyper-elliptical stylus upgrade from Lp gear.
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,497 posts
 
WOW! leave it up to you guys to make things COMPLICATED! This post has gotten way out of control, IMO. Upgrade the REGA P2 bearing and sub platter, and put a Ortofon 2M blue. Now your in vinyl bliss...REGA is all about being SIMPLE to use!
almarg's avatar
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almarg
9,670 posts
 
Matt, Rega may be all about being simple to use. But the unusually high input capacitance of the OP's phono stage makes the use of that phono stage not so simple, if one places any faith in the load capacitance recommendations provided by the cartridge manufacturers.

I doubt that any of us are in a position to characterize the degree to which sonics are likely to be affected by the capacitance mismatch which is almost certain to occur with the 2M Blue (to a greater or lesser degree depending on the unknown capacitance of the phono cable and turntable wiring). But as I said earlier, "why introduce an explainable, predictable, and known inaccuracy into the system, notwithstanding the possibility that it **might** be minor in degree, or perhaps even subjectively preferable?"

Regards,
-- Al
phasecorrect's avatar
phasecorrect
2,013 posts
 
Op has stated he has no real complaints with system...just "better sound"...and focused on the cart solution...so I don't feel the cap mismatch is a major issue in this circumstance...maybe in a higher end system...
almarg's avatar
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almarg
9,670 posts
 
Phasecorrect, the OP's present cartridge has a recommended load capacitance range of 150 to 400 pf. The 2M Blue that was suggested has a recommended load capacitance range of 150 to only 300 pf. My rough estimate of approximately how much load capacitance his equipment presents to whatever cartridge he uses was 400 to 450 pf.
... so I don't feel the cap mismatch is a major issue in this circumstance...maybe in a higher end system...
You may be right, or you may not be. I don't think any of us is in a position to say for sure. My point is why take a chance? There are lots of MM's and HOMC's out there for which the manufacturer recommends higher load capacitances than what is recommended for the 2M, as a perusal of the cartridge listings at NeedleDoctor.com and other sellers will show. The suggestion by Mesch to call them was a good one.

Regards,
-- Al
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