[Yomaha]

Hi everyone,

I have a Rega RP-1 and I need to upgrade my cartridge.  I would like to keep the price below $250 if possible.  I also want to buy thru my local hifi guy in Pasadena because they are super cool, have excellent service, and they do a free install and calibration of the cartridge if purchased from them. 

They have the following brands: Grado, Sumiko, or Ortofon.

I was thinking either Grado Green, Sumiko Pearl or Ortofon Blue.

Any input on those or other models within those brands is appreciated!

Current System:
Rega RP-1
Bellari VP130 Phono Pre
Van Alstine Synergy SL Pre
Van Alstine Synergy 240 2-ch Amp
Salk Songtower RT's

Thanks!

[Charles Calkins]

Give Frank a call. Wayner does his cartridge work for him. I'm sure they'll be able to set you up with one.

                                                     Cheers
                                                     Charlie

[audio.bill]

I'd go with the Ortofon Blue, since it's right in your price range and is known to be a good match with the Rega. The Grados are nice but known to be prone to hum issues with the Rega tables due to positioning of the motor.

[jarcher]

Of the three I'd second the ortofon 2m blue. Just make sure to give it at least 10hrs and preferably 100hrs before reaching a final conclusion. It can sound somewhat bright and unrefined before then. If your dealer has a break in record he can run it on or lend you, that will help to reduce the wait.

[Wayner]

The Grado will hum on a Rega. Not a good choice for this table.

Wayner

[Yomaha]

Thanks for the feedback - all duly noted!

[steve f]

Consider the Shure M97Xe too.

[simoon]

Hi everyone,

I have a Rega RP-1 and I need to upgrade my cartridge.  I would like to keep the price below $250 if possible.  I also want to buy thru my local hifi guy in Pasadena because they are super cool, have excellent service, and they do a free install and calibration of the cartridge if purchased from them.

Must be Brian Berdan at Audio Element!

Great guy, great shop.

[KR500]

Slightly off topic but i see you are using the Bellari VP phono preamp.
I did a bunch of tube rolling with NOS and current production tubes and had the best results with the..... ( wait for it )
Sovtek 12AX7LPS
It is the one pictured in the company schematic and sounds the best.
My dos centavos
Good luck with your cart search . I started with the Rega Red cart then went to the Elys
The Shure 97 mentioned by another poster is an excellent budget cart

[Thugbee]

Re: Sovtek
Would that be the 'straight' Sovtek or the "BLACK SABLE Sovtek 12AX7LPS"

[KR500]

Hmm... don't know about a Black Sable version ?
I got my 12AX7LPS from the US Sovtek dealer
Guess I'll duckduckGo the Black Sable  term and find out about it
I was surprised the Sovtek sounded better than the NOS and JAN tubes like Sylvania Phillips , GE etc. I tried
Also several JJ versions that I purchased from Eurotubes quite a while ago

[Nick77]

Any updates? I just pulled the trigger on a slightly used 2M Blue and wondering what choice you made?