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

Snake charmer

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Nov 17, 2021
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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.
 
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.
 
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...
 
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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.
 

Revolutions

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Aug 6, 2023
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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.
 

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