Resh2001-
On the subject of cartridges, if you are leaning toward the P3, their top model cartridge (the "Exact"-$500 or so) would work and it would have the added advantage of having the precisely right VTA and it's 3 hole mounting system makes alignment a no-brainer. Be careful of Grados on any Rega table as they tend to hum a little more.
For most "audiophile" tables, a moderately good medium-to-high output MC would probably be the way to go. (retail of $450 to $700 range.) At this level, matching the cartridge with the arm is not a big factor- most cartridges will work fine with most arms. But before you make a final decision, you may want to check back with other "Audiogoners" to get some feedback.
Most of the major cartridge models have had alot written about them and it comes down to the kind of sound you are trying to achieve. Some folks like a certain range of cartridge for classical and some who listen to another genre will swear by another set of cartridges. Like you, I listen to alot of jazz and acoustic music and enjoy a Benz LO.4 very much. (A high-output version is also made.) It's very quiet and picks up subleties that other cartridges seem to miss. It's not "zingy", so it does not accentuate the slight brightness of my Maggies. A lower price-point with similar qualities would be the Benz Glider.
After reading alot of what folks are saying about particular cartridges, you'll get a feel for what will work best for your application and taste. Determine your budget, but don't buy something on the low end of the budget soley to save a couple of bucks- swapping out cartridges can be expensive!
regards
Jim
On the subject of cartridges, if you are leaning toward the P3, their top model cartridge (the "Exact"-$500 or so) would work and it would have the added advantage of having the precisely right VTA and it's 3 hole mounting system makes alignment a no-brainer. Be careful of Grados on any Rega table as they tend to hum a little more.
For most "audiophile" tables, a moderately good medium-to-high output MC would probably be the way to go. (retail of $450 to $700 range.) At this level, matching the cartridge with the arm is not a big factor- most cartridges will work fine with most arms. But before you make a final decision, you may want to check back with other "Audiogoners" to get some feedback.
Most of the major cartridge models have had alot written about them and it comes down to the kind of sound you are trying to achieve. Some folks like a certain range of cartridge for classical and some who listen to another genre will swear by another set of cartridges. Like you, I listen to alot of jazz and acoustic music and enjoy a Benz LO.4 very much. (A high-output version is also made.) It's very quiet and picks up subleties that other cartridges seem to miss. It's not "zingy", so it does not accentuate the slight brightness of my Maggies. A lower price-point with similar qualities would be the Benz Glider.
After reading alot of what folks are saying about particular cartridges, you'll get a feel for what will work best for your application and taste. Determine your budget, but don't buy something on the low end of the budget soley to save a couple of bucks- swapping out cartridges can be expensive!
regards
Jim