Would a rega fono mm mk3 be a descent upgrade stage than my maranta pm6006

[Snake charmer]

Hi all, I have a rega p2 with a pm6006 amp paired with q acoustics 3030i speakers…was wanting to upgrade the in built phono stage, as mostly listen to vinyl, to the rega ma mk3..would it make a considerable improvement? The p2 is fitted with a at vm95en cartridge. Would appreciate some feedback. Cheers all.

 

[plastic penguin]

Hi all, I have a rega p2 with a pm6006 amp paired with q acoustics 3030i speakers…was wanting to upgrade the in built phono stage, as mostly listen to vinyl, to the rega ma mk3..would it make a considerable improvement? The p2 is fitted with a at vm95en cartridge. Would appreciate some feedback. Cheers all.

No it won't be a significant upgrade. Generally speaking the in-built phono stages are very good. This is regardless of brand: Marantz, Arcam, Rotel etc etc have all fabulous phono stages.

 

[Al ears]

No it won't be a significant upgrade. Generally speaking the in-built phono stages are very good. This is regardless of brand: Marantz, Arcam, Rotel etc etc have all fabulous phono stages.

I would tend to agree.
biggest improvement is going to be upgrading the cartridge itself, although the one you have is pretty decent.
you could try replacing the stylus with this...

Audio-Technica AT-VMN95SH VM95 Series Shibata replacement stylus: Amazon.co.uk: Musical Instruments & DJ

Audio-Technica AT-VMN95SH VM95 Series Shibata replacement stylus: Amazon.co.uk: Musical Instruments & DJ

www.amazon.co.uk

 

[Snake charmer]

Hi cheers for the feedback, was debating to upgrade to a shibata but outside my budget, the mm mk3 can get as new for ?100. Any other opinions on a upgrade please?

 

[Gonepostal]

Buy it, if you don't think it's worth keeping you can easily sell it on eBay without making a loss. I've got one and think it's fantastic..

 

[plastic penguin]

Hi cheers for the feedback, was debating to upgrade to a shibata but outside my budget, the mm mk3 can get as new for ?100. Any other opinions on a upgrade please?

Really, you have to be looking at a phono stage of around £600-700 to hear a worthwhile upgrade. I agree with @Al ears you are better off with upgrading the cartridge. Most of these affordable tables respond well to a better cart. When I had my £210 Pro-ject Xpression 1 I upgraded the stock Ortofon to a ClearAudio to great effect. And it'll be more cost effective than a good phono stage.

Audio Technica
Goldring
ClearAudio Concept
There are many others.

 

[Snake charmer]

Hi, cheers for the advice, have decided to go over budget and get the at vm95sh, can’t wait. also thought about getting a leather mat..is it worth bothering?

 

[Al ears]

Hi cheers for the feedback, was debating to upgrade to a shibata but outside my budget, the mm mk3 can get as new for ?100. Any other opinions on a upgrade please?

really? Where?
the cheapest I can see it is £189

 

[Al ears]

Hi, cheers for the advice, have decided to go over budget and get the at vm95sh, can’t wait. also thought about getting a leather mat..is it worth bothering?

Not over budget if the fono as mentioned is actually £189

 

[Snake charmer]

£100 from a mate.still might get the mm at some point, so can compare.

 

[Revolutions]

Apologies for resurrecting an old thread (is that ok?)- I’m in a v similar position as the OP.

I have a P2 w/ AT VM95ML and Marantz PM6006 UK into Monitor Audio silver 300. I feel the speakers have more to give, especially at lower volumes; I tend to do 50% of my listening early in the morning. Would something like the Rega Aria give me a significant boost here, or should I be looking at turntable/cartridge? Also aware I might be slightly underpowered for these speakers to be at their best.