Cartridge upgrade for RP3

[freedom1971]

Hi. I am looking to upgrade the Elys 2 cartridge on my RP3. Unfortunately a demo is not possible so I will be buying blind (or is that deaf) over the internet.

While I generally the enjoy the musical sound of this combo, I do find it can sound slightly dull & 'closed in' at times. I would like a cart that would give me a brighter, more dynamic & open sound. I guess the logical choice would be the Exact, but would this give me the desired results? Does anybody have any experience of the RP3 + Exact, and in particular, upgrading from Elys to Exact?

Now the other consideration is that I will be fitting the cartridge myself so it would have to be reasonably easy to fit. With this in mind, my other option is the Ortofon 2m Bronze, with its captive nuts plus the fact it looks like it is designed to fit the Rega headshell. However, I understand that this option would also require the fitting of VTA spacers for the arm mounting. Would this have a detrimental effect on sound quality in compromising the arm mounting in this way?

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks.

 

[stevebrock]

I would go TT PSU first!

With regards to sound quality if you fitted an Ortofon, there would be no deterioation - however you would have to have the dust cover up when playing records - you may probably do anyway.

 

[freedom1971]

Thanks for your reply. I do always take the lid off to play anyway so not a problem.

Why is it you think I should get the psu first? I do intend to get one eventually anyway, but personally I would have thought the cart would give me the improvements I'm looking for here and now.

 

[Hi-FiOutlaw]

My Goldring 1012gx works very well with my RP3, Rega have wonderfull pieces of kit, but you can find better cartridges, google a bit and you'll find many testimonies about Rega RP3/ Goldring combo!

If you want to go the extra mile, look at 1042gx or Dynavector 10X5.

 

[stevebrock]

If you like the presentation of the Elys 2 then why change, however if it is worn out then yes cartridge first but all these little changes are quite subtle from reading the forums and other peoples experiences.

There is a lot you can do with an RP3..... TT PSU, platter, sub-platter & cartridge - what I am saying if you upgrade all those you will have a very nice TT, albeit it still a cracking TT in its stock guise!