New cartridge

[Matt78]

I've had my RP3/Elys 2 combination virtually since launch nearly 5 years ago and its coming up to replacement time for the well used Elys 2. I'm seriously considering simply going for a new Elys 2, but would be interested in hearing other's thoughts on alternatives first. I use the phono stage in my Brio-R and have no plans to change any aspect of my amplification or, once they have arrived, my RS1 speakers.

[DSJR]

My own take is to firstly investigate the Exact 2. Well worth the extra and a far better cartridge all round, despite looking similar on the outside. Failing that, the ever-popular Denon DL110 seems to be collecting new friends and modern production techniques have kept it fairly competitive. I also think Rega may have tweaked the Elys 2 again in recent times, but I'm afraid it's not a favourite with me, so please forgive my lack of enthusiasm for this one.

[struth]

I've had my RP3/Elys 2 combination virtually since launch nearly 5 years ago and its coming up to replacement time for the well used Elys 2. I'm seriously considering simply going for a new Elys 2, but would be interested in hearing other's thoughts on alternatives first. I use the phono stage in my Brio-R and have no plans to change any aspect of my amplification or, once they have arrived, my RS1 speakers.

Whats your budget? Denon dl 110 is a good mc high oput so fine with an mm stage. I am using an at95 cart with an imported jico shibata stylus, and it is way better for similar money.

[Matt78]

Budget is relatively limited. An Elys 2 is 125 pounds these days. The big thing that is slightly putting me off this is the fact that I'd prefer to have a cartridge that I can simply renew the stylus on rather than having to change the whole thing every few years. I've thought about Nagaoka, AT, Grado, and Ortofon as alternatives but I'm not really sure which way to turn.

[Bluebeat13]

I really liked my AT440MLa. Until I bent it!

[DSJR]

The Elys has such a pronounced sonic 'flavour' that most alternatives will sound too different to take first off - in my experience and as an owner still of a mk1 Elys.

The Sumiko Pearl is fun and similar price, and should bring back memories of it's long departed cousin, the Rega R100, which was mechanically similar I think - big and beefy presentation. The Ortofon 2M Blue is a fussy, prissy thing and I'm not sure you'd like it, although the 2M bronze will be better in every way - it LOVES Rega decks! The AT120E also wouldn't fully satisfy here I think, because it only seems to sonically come together in very low mass tonearms in my experience and the 440MLa is strong on hf presentation.

I have to say that Rega HAVE improved their cartridges steadily over the years (suspension tweaks etc.) and the current Elys I'm sure will be better than the one you have. If you're very careful not to over-tighten, you can change it yourself, but a good long-standing Rega dealer worth their salt should also give the whole deck a service as part of the cartridge fitting - checking for dried motor and main bearing lubricant, slack nuts etc. (oo-er missus ) - I certainly used to.

[topoxforddoc]

At that money, you could also consider an Ortofon 2M Red or Blue, an AT 440 MLA or a Nagaoka MP110. All would be good choices.

[walpurgis]

One thing to bear in mind. Rega cartridges have a low height in comparison to most other makes. If you try another cartridge make, you may have to raise the arm height and I'm not sure if there's any adjustment on the RP3 without using spacers