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The phono stage on the Pioneer Elite VSX-56Txi is likely an afterthought only meeting minimal RIAA standards. However, I would think you would want to bypass the Cambridge Audio 540P for at least the 640P, or consider a ProJect Phono Box II for $200. If you can spend $250 the Bellari VP130 is sure to please. The Ortofon 2M Red would perhaps be a slight upgrade from the Rega Bias cartridge, but you should see more improvement with the Ortofon 2M Blue. I don't think you would need shims for either of those two cartridges, but a call to LP Gear could confirm that. The only glass platters I've seen for the Rega P2 are on eBay.
Only you should decide if you like the stage in the Pioneer. Don't dismiss it without a fair audition.
I think the www.needledoctor.com hss the platters $135.00.
I don't know if platters for the P3 and P5 will work on the P2. A call will find out for sure.
I use the www.groovetracer.com platter on my rega p2.
yes, the platters are swappable.
Thank you to all for your input.
I use a 2mm spacer for the Ortofon OM20 but I think the new MM series are designed with the Rega arms in mind so I doubt a spacer would be needed. I own the Cambridge Audio 640P that I use with the Ortofon and they sound good together. I am also using the FunkFirm Achroplat platter with my Rega Planar 2 which I find superior to the glass platter. I am not sure how the old Planar 2 glass would work on the new P2.
Well one year and twenty weeks later I have an update.
I have an Ortofon 2m blue and a 640P and the difference was night and day. I switched cartridges first and that was a big jump and just recently got the preamp and it makes an even bigger difference.