Suggestions/advice phono stage for a REGA RP6 with REGA Exact cart.

gfong

Here are the specs on the Exact cart:
Type: Moving Magnet (MM)
Output: 6.8 - 7.2mV
Stylus: Vital. Complex fine line micro-ground from a rectangular diamond billet.
Fixing: Rega three point fixing
Coils: High Spec parallel wound coils
Tracking Pressure 1.75g

I'm using a NAD 356BEE solid state integrated amp that can be fitted with an on board NAD phono stage for about $150.00. I dont think this route would be any better then what I am currently using. (I could be wrong)

I am currently using a Bellari VP130 phono stage with my REGA RP6/Exact cart set up.

I have only ever used the VP130 stage and was curious if an upgrade would benefit me or if I would notice a difference with an upgraded stage? (I have used the built-in ones on receivers many times in the past.)

Is there some kinda of ratio to think about with pairing a stage and turntable... meaning $1000.00 stage with a $500.00 table is silly or vice a versa?

I do not have any place that will let me test out different stages and I have tried to search on the net to see what combo the REGA Exact folks are using but it really seems all over the board.

As I mentioned I have only used one stage before and I do not know what upgrading to say a $1000.00 stage or more would do for my sound compared to what I have already.

Anyone running the same or close combo that I am using and have suggestions?

Thanks and appreciate the advice or comments and I can only learn more about this stuff with your excellent feedback.

voltz

I have changed mine several times and only heard small differences, once I changed because it was just to big and did not fit my audio rack setup. that just a tough once to answer and I think we all have wonder about would the upgraded be worth it?
I currently using a Vincent phono amp and love it. it just heavier and better built then the Graham amp 2 SE I had been using which is so light heavy cables can pull it off the table.

gfong

Thanks voltz for the comments.

I have ordered 2 different brands of tubes for the Bellari to try out. Not in a rush for a new stage so will try them.
I ordered a Sovtek 12AX7LPS Vacuum Tube and a Tungsol 12AX7 to try over the stock tube.

tonyb

Whats the budget ? The Bellari is regarded as just so-so in the phono world. I might look for a used PS audio.

John just put up a Simaudio phono in the FM, go grab it for 250.

gfong

Thanks for the info. budget is 400 to 1000. But I don't know the benefits of spending 1000 on a stage for a 1500 table.

tonyb

gfong wrote: »

Thanks for the info. budget is 400 to 1000. But I don't know the benefits of spending 1000 on a stage for a 1500 table.

Maybe....maybe not, but we all do that comparison thing at some point in our journey. Right now I have a 3k amp hooked up to a 300 buck receiver.....a 1500 buck retail dac hooked up to a 350 buck Sonos.

Cables is another out of whack thing for me, but....we all do what sounds good to our ears. At least as far as the wallet and the wife allows.

erniejade

Jolida d9

pumpkinman

tonyb wrote: »

Whats the budget ? The Bellari is regarded as just so-so in the phono world. I might look for a used PS audio.

John just put up a Simaudio phono in the FM, go grab it for 250.

Is this what you had in mind Tony ??

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=133369.0

miner

For your price range I would sugests a used Graham Slee Era Gold IV. I used this when I had my Rega P5/Exact and was wonderful. I previously was using the onboard phono stage of a Rotel RC-1080, which was actually very good to begin with.

gfong

Thanks for the info guys. Much appreciated.

steveinaz

miner wrote: »

For your price range I would sugests a used Graham Slee Era Gold IV.

That's an excellent choice.

gfong

I have a Graham Slee SE 2 that I purchased off of a member here and it works and sounds great. I also tried out the Graham Slee Reflex and Era Gold V through Graham Slee's loaner program. Will do a post about the differences. Thanks for the info gents,