I'd be interested in showing up, but that August date doesn't work for me. It's GenCon weekend. (I have too many hobbies, all of them expensive.)

  I have an RP3 with a Ortofon 2M Bronze, and I love it. I use it as my main source. The cartridge is the best upgrade I've made. If you can get a Rega without the Rega cart I highly recommend it. Save the money for an Ortofon 2M. Installing a new cartridge wasn't hard at all as long as you...

There's an Ohio meet happening in Columbus on the 22nd, FYI. I'm sure it's not an issue for most of you though. :)

While we're on the subject of cartridges, I'm looking to upgrade the cart on my Rega RP3. Is there a reason to pick up an MC over an MM or vice versa? I'm picking up a Pro-Ject Tube Box S, so amplification isn't an issue. What would you recommend in the $500 range?

I love the K712. I was also looking at the K/Q 702 but the bumps looked like they'd be an issue from a comfort standpoint. I'm actually wearing the K712 right now with no music on and I barely notice them.  Sound wise they are analytical and can be unforgiving on bad recordings. It's my...

I run the Lyr K712 combo and love it. I don't have any thing to compare it to though as it is my first setup. I will advise you to get rid of the stock tubes as quickly as possible though.

Schiit makes a 6" cable for $20. http://schiit.com/products/pyst-cables

I'm having sylabance issues with a couple of RTI 180 gram remasters ("Graceland" and "Come Away With Me").  Is this typical of RTI or is something wrong with my cartridge alignment? I have a Rega RP3 with the Elys 2 cartridge factory installed. 

@radlyant, I have a Lyr with my AKG K712. It's a great amp once you roll out the stock tubes. Check the Lyr tube rollers thread for more advice than I could give you. http://www.head-fi.org/t/673709/schiit-lyr-tube-rollers

  I use an old 1985 Technics CD player and a TT as my sources, so EQing isn't an option unless I go buy a physical equalizer. I did notice last night that they weren't as bad when playing through my TT as they were with the CD player. Looks like I'll be listening to more vinyl now, oh darn. :)

I just received some Orange Globes from eBay. They sound better in almost every regard than the stock GEs. The only problem I have with them is that they are too bright with my K712s. Does anyone know of a budget tube that would cut back on the highs?

I know what my schedule looks like, and I won't be able to make it.

I'm not sure what my work schedule looks like yet, but if I'm off I'll try to make it down. I have an AKG K712 and Grado SR80. If needed, I can also bring my RP3 as well. I don't have an amp at the moment though, it was a piece of Schiit and had to be sent back for repairs.

If you are looking for a new TT, the entry models from Music Hall, Rega, and Pro-ject all start at under $500. I highly recommend buying a phono pre-amp as well.

Free stuff makes this hobby so much more affordable!