Rega P1 Upgrade Kit...worth it?

So I've had my P1 for about 5-6 years now and am thinking of purchasing the upgrade kit. Comes with a new Bias 2 cart, wool slip mat and belt. Has anyone bought this kit? Just curious if it's worth it. I'd prefer not to hear "use that money towards a new turntable" comments as it's not in the budget right now.

 

Also looking for a new preamp under 250. Thoughts?

 

Have you made any changes or added anything to the table since you bought it or is it still stock? For example, do you use a glass platter? Ortofon om5e cart?

 

Pre-amp Emotive xps-1 for $150
Rega upgrade kit - $200 or you can go with what's listed below:

Glass platter can be bought for $60
White belt for $50 - also check out the Edwards blue belter
Cartridges - Nagaoka MP110 for $100; Shure 97xe for $70
Homemade 1/8 inch cork platter mat $3 - buy a sheet at a hobby or crafts or fabric store and make your own

When funds allow - Tangospinner subplatter $100

My 7 year old p1 has everything I've listed except the blue belt - very satisfied with what I'm getting from it.

 

Everything is still stock, except I have replaced the belt with a clone set I bought from ebay not long ago.

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Upgrade-3-in...er_Turntable_Parts&hash=item3ce5e467b3&_uhb=1

 

Thanks kindly. Great suggestions. I was going for the Rega Kit for mostly convenience (from my local record shop). However will look into each of your suggestions more closely and possibly source online. I never even thought about making my own slip mat from a roll of cork. Thanks for the suggestion!

 

This is an example of where I'd like to say to someone, "Bring your table over and some of your records. We'll hitch up your table, listen to some tunes, and then we'll play your records on my table so you could hear differences." We could put my platter, belt, etc. on your table so you could try it. Unfortunately CA is not just down the street. LOL!

 

I've made two changes to my P1. First was an Ortofon stylus upgrade, the other was a white belt. Both made a noticeable difference.