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Upgrade from Rega P3-24 .....

Please take a look at my current updated system's analog front end. I am perhaps considering an upgrade, thinking about the Rega RP6 and the VPI Traveler, with a nicely matching high output MC or MM cartridge. My total budget is around $2000. Would either of these tables be a considerable enough upgrade over my current system to justify a new purchase ? Or would I need to spend more $$$ to really hear an improved sound ? Other thoughts ? I love the way my system sounds now, but may be experiencing a bout of "upgrade fever." I've already taken some aspirin, but the fever won't go away.
adam18
learsfool
1,215 posts
 
Hi Adam - I know you have said many times you love the Rega sound. Many people who do are not fans of the VPI. I should say that I have no real experience with the VPI tables, and many people love them, this is just what I have heard from many who do like the Regas. So if you really like the Rega line, then I would say move up in it. Early reviews of the new P6 are good. It is the replacement of the P5, as you probably already know. You could also easily find a used P7 nowadays within your stated budget.
les_creative_edge
174 posts
 
IMO The RP-6 is more of a sideways step from the P3-24. If you wish to stick with Rega I'd either wait to get the RP-8 or a used P-7 , P-9. Other than that Going VPI will be a different flavour change but since the Traveler is again in the same budget range as your P3-24 was or an RP-6. It's not a major change, but different and there is noting wrong with going different. If you are looking for a bigger step up in performance IMO you need to go beyond the $2000 range.

But both the RP-6 and Traveler are great tables, IMO maybe not worth dumping your P3-24 over.
chayro
2,964 posts
 
You have assembled a very nice system at that price point. IMO, upgrade the cartridge to a Lyra Delos and you will really hear the difference. If the Delos is too dear, consider the Goldring Eroica LX for about half the price. With the Delos, you will need a couple of spacers under the arm, but that's no big deal. The Rega arm can handle both cartridges just fine.
adam18 OP
670 posts
 
Thanks for the responses so far. Keep your ideas and thoughts coming !

Hi Aaron ... Nice to hear from you. Looking for a P-7 may be a good idea.
Les ... That's just what I was thinking. A "sideways move" my not make sense.
Chayro ... Thanks for your kind comment about my system. Your ideas about a new cartridge gives me something else to think about. Very cool.....

Okay, it's 8:15 Sunday morning. Wife is still sleeping, and the dogs are both fed. Time to go downstairs and listen to some music. Perhaps some Miles and 'Trane ...
chayro
2,964 posts
 
You should also check out some other MCs. I think Benz also works well in Rega arms, but I'm not an expert. I will tell you, I upgraded from the Exact to the Lyra Argo and the difference was night and day. The only time it doesn't pay to upgrade the cart is when the arm can't handle it, but that's not your situation. Enjoy.
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