Alright, guys. This is a LONG way off, but I'm thinking about how I will invest my money in analog when I do finally have the means. I'm already set on Rega, so no TT recommendations, if you please, but I'd like to know what you think is more important; Is it the turntable/tonearm or the cartridge?
I'll share with you my specific thoughts, and you can let me know what you think.
Option 1:
Rega P2 ($495), glass platter ($70), Dynavector 10x5 ($380)
Total: $945
(Note: I've not included the negligible price of a Rega VTA shim)
Option 2:
Rega P3-24/Elys ($1045)
I've heard the P2 with a Bias and the P3 with an Elys, and think both are great, the P3 edging out its little brother slightly. My dealer sells Rega and Grado cartridges, but not Dynavector.
Question time!
I've heard a MC cartridge before, but only on the LP12 in the "big room", as played through Linn reference electronics and 5-figure speakers, which, quite obviously, is unrealistic for me (but gobs of jaw-dropping fun!).
Is a high-output moving coil like the 10x5 a worthwhile upgrade versus a decent moving magnet (the Elys), even at the cost of downgrading the table from P3 to P2?
Has anyone heard the P3 with the TT-PSU? Is it worth getting the P3 just to have the 24V motor and a reasonable upgrade path?
Should I just decide on the P2/Bias2, shut up, and be done with it?
I know, I know, I should get the P3 AND the Dynavector. I don't think so, friends.
I'll do an analysis of the leader in each category.
--Perceived quality/pride of ownership: P3-24, Dynavector 10x5
--Resistance to "upgradeitis": See above
--Budget champ: P2/Bias2
--Upgrade path: P3-24
--Arm/bearing/counterweight/wiring/motor: P3-24
--Cartridge: I can't say for sure because I haven't heard them all, but I'm inclined to give the nod to Dynavector
--Combo least likely to convince my friends that I should be committed: P2/Bias2
If you think I can do better than the Dynavector for less or equal expenditure, make your voice heard.
Now, some pertinent information about me. 
Vinyl collection: ~150 (would resume regular purchasing post-turntable)
Primary intended record type: LP, gently used
Musical leanings: jazz ca. 1945-1970 (trombone of utmost importance), classical (with special emphasis on cello), classic rock (acoustic guitar and vocals)
Floor: pad/carpet over concrete
Associated equipment:
Rega Brio3 (49W, very good MM phono board included)
Paradigm 7se Mk. III (92 dB efficiency, 6 ohms nominal, 34Hz LFE up to 20 kHz frequency response)
Furman PST-8D power conditioner
considering spiked Ikea Lack or Rega wall bracket as equipment support
Thanks for your input, everyone! I look forward to hearing what you think.
Cheers,
Alright, guys. This is a LONG way off, but I'm thinking about how I will invest my money in analog when I do finally have the means. I'm already set on Rega, so no TT recommendations, if you please, but I'd like to know what you think is more important; Is it the turntable/tonearm or the cartridge?
I'll share with you my specific thoughts, and you can let me know what you think.
Option 1:
Rega P2 ($495), glass platter ($70), Dynavector 10x5 ($380)
Total: $945
(Note: I've not included the negligible price of a Rega VTA shim)
Option 2:
Rega P3-24/Elys ($1045)
I've heard the P2 with a Bias and the P3 with an Elys, and think both are great, the P3 edging out its little brother slightly. My dealer sells Rega and Grado cartridges, but not Dynavector.
Question time!
I've heard a MC cartridge before, but only on the LP12 in the "big room", as played through Linn reference electronics and 5-figure speakers, which, quite obviously, is unrealistic for me (but gobs of jaw-dropping fun!).
Is a high-output moving coil like the 10x5 a worthwhile upgrade versus a decent moving magnet (the Elys), even at the cost of downgrading the table from P3 to P2?
Has anyone heard the P3 with the TT-PSU? Is it worth getting the P3 just to have the 24V motor and a reasonable upgrade path?
Should I just decide on the P2/Bias2, shut up, and be done with it?
I know, I know, I should get the P3 AND the Dynavector. I don't think so, friends.
I'll do an analysis of the leader in each category.
--Perceived quality/pride of ownership: P3-24, Dynavector 10x5
--Resistance to "upgradeitis": See above
--Budget champ: P2/Bias2
--Upgrade path: P3-24
--Arm/bearing/counterweight/wiring/motor: P3-24
--Cartridge: I can't say for sure because I haven't heard them all, but I'm inclined to give the nod to Dynavector
--Combo least likely to convince my friends that I should be committed: P2/Bias2
If you think I can do better than the Dynavector for less or equal expenditure, make your voice heard.
Now, some pertinent information about me.
Vinyl collection: ~150 (would resume regular purchasing post-turntable)
Primary intended record type: LP, gently used
Musical leanings: jazz ca. 1945-1970 (trombone of utmost importance), classical (with special emphasis on cello), classic rock (acoustic guitar and vocals)
Floor: pad/carpet over concrete
Associated equipment:
Rega Brio3 (49W, very good MM phono board included)
Paradigm 7se Mk. III (92 dB efficiency, 6 ohms nominal, 34Hz LFE up to 20 kHz frequency response)
Furman PST-8D power conditioner
considering spiked Ikea Lack or Rega wall bracket as equipment support
Thanks for your input, everyone! I look forward to hearing what you think.
Cheers,