Rega RP1 worth an Ortofon 2M Bronze?

[FastAndLight]

I recently bought the Rega RP1 with the performance pack that includes the Bias 2 cartridge and have been loving the sound. Unfortunately, my girlfriend's cat also loved it and decided to destroy the cartridge.

I'm trying to look at this as an opportunity to upgrade instead of being upset over the loss of a good cart.

I've read some good stuff about the Ortofon 2M Bronze, but it seems that everyone is using it on more expensive Rega tonearms than the RB101 that comes with my TT. So, is it worth it to go with the 2M Bronze, or would it be a waste on this TT? Is there another recommendation for an upgrade? I do want to stay within the $300 - $400 range.

Thanks for any help.

 

[sabocat]

The Bronze goes for around $350 if i recall. I had it on a Thorens TD-125mkII and it sounded really smooth. I've never owned a rega so i would be hard-pressed to answer your question directly, but seems to me like you would not regret the investment.

 

[ChairSpud]

Sorry to hear about your accident...Bad Cat!

If you were asking about an RB250 or RB251 I'd say without hesitation go for it but not having experience with the RB101 I don't know how capable the arm is. Besides posting here, you may also want to ask one or more Rega dealers what they think before spending the kind of money the Bronze costs.

 

[FastAndLight]

Sorry to hear about your accident...Bad Cat!

If you were asking about an RB250 or RB251 I'd say without hesitation go for it but not having experience with the RB101 I don't know how capable the arm is. Besides posting here, you may also want to ask one or more Rega dealers what they think before spending the kind of money the Bronze costs.

Thanks for the suggestions. Unfortunately I live pretty much in the middle of nowhere. I think the closest dealer is a 3+ hour drive. I might try giving them a call, but I feel that I always get better service in person, especially in these situations where I may actually be able to hear the cartridge in person.

Hopefully someone who has tried some of the nicer carts on a more entry level TT will stumble on this thread and shed some light on it for me.

 

[Slowhead]

If you were okay with the Rega cartridge you had (a decent match with your phonostage/amp.), stick with what works. Instead of buying new, go to the Audiogon site and buy a slightly used Ellys (?). Too many people buy a P3-24 with that cartridge to start out with (package deal) and move on. It's a good jump up from what you have. You could probably get one delivered for about half ($150) of retail.
Set-up would be a breeze with the 3 point mounting system and save some $ along the way.
Rega cartridges are not considered a real value, but you get something that was specifically designed for their own tables and work well with less than world class audio gear.

 

[FastAndLight]

Set-up would be a breeze with the 3 point mounting system and save some $ along the way.
Rega cartridges are not considered a real value, but you get something that was specifically designed for their own tables and work well with less than world class audio gear.

This ended up being the selling point for me. I picked up the Elys 2, and although I don't have anything close to the golden ear, it already sounds a ton better than the Bias 2 that was on there. In addition, the 3 screw setup was trivially easy. I know it sounds lame, but I really was just up checking my speaker and amp because I was hearing something "funny" on one of the albums I listen to all the time. Yeah...nothing wrong with my gear...just much better resolution, especially at the high end, than with the Bias 2.

That's all for now. I am even showing the cat some love for giving me the excuse to upgrade. I never knew what I was missing, so I didn't know how happy I could have been.

 

[Art K.]

That's all for now. I am even showing the cat some love for giving me the excuse to upgrade. I never knew what I was missing, so I didn't know how happy I could have been.

You gonna show puss some love when he/she gives you another excuse for upgrading...just sayin'!