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Rega, Pro-Ject, Technics SL-1200

A few months ago I bought a SL-1200 M3D and put a Shure M97xe cartridge on it soon after. Its not nearly broke in but I have to say while it sounds ok its not what I consider "audiophile" quality or at least not yet. And in no way is this a slam against the 1200. A buddy of mine let me borrow his Pro-Ject RM5.1SE that comes with the MC Sumiko Blue Point and 9" carbon fiber tone arm. Honestly after comparing the 2 last night the Pro-Ject was the clear winner. Not that the Technics sounds bad at all but I would say rather on the thin or edgy in comparison. My question is how does Rega lets say a P3 or P5 compare to the RM5.1SE? What is each mfg house sound? I know the Technics can be upgraded by KAB but not sure its worth the cost or time. I am just getting into vinyl so not really too experienced when it comes to different manufacturers and value per dollar. Seems the Rega has more upgrade path from what I've seen. The RM5.1SE does sound very sweet but not sure how it would compare against a P3 or P5?
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rar1's avatar
rar1
1,784 posts
 
Have you considered changing out the Shure M97 cartridge of the Technics?

I have two different turntables in my systems ... one is a Stanton ST150 , which would be similar to your Technics.

I tried the Shure M97 cartridge and did not care for it. Cartridges I have liked are the Shure SC35C , a bargain at it street price of $35. Discovered it from reading a review in Stereophile. Another is the Denon DL 103 . The one common factor of both these cartridges is that they were designed for broadcast use.

Rich
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samzx12 OP
1,220 posts
 
Rich I have considered changing and to be honest after researching carts the M97xe seemed to be a logical choice. However, I almost bit the bullet and bought a Denon MC cart and can't remember the number. It was around $200. Is your Stanton modified and if so did you hear it in stock form? On another note I don't want to buy several carts as those alone can get pricey. I really like the idea of a direct drive like the Technics but right now disappointed in the sound. I know I can modify it but not sure I want to go through the hassle and will the mods be a substantial improvement?

Lindi what is your opinion on the Rega vs the Pro-Ject? Which models have you owned? P3 or P5? Thanks!
rar1's avatar
rar1
1,784 posts
 
Hi Sam -

The Stanton ST 150 is in stock form. The changes I made were to the supplied cartridge, the turntable mat (went with a NOS Technics 1200 rubber mat), and use isolation footers.

I have tested a few cartridges and what I like about the turntables with universal head shells is that I can swap the cartridges out when the mood hits me.

I am curious as to what you are finding disappointing. I feel this way sometimes, but if my memory is correct, a lot of vinyl pressings were not that hot back in the day also.

It is why I have been psyched about the $35 SC35C Shure cartridge. It really sounds the most alive in my system. This one system consists of a Rega Brio R integrated and Omega Super 7 monitors with Audio quest cabling. I am listening to a Paul Simon Live album from the 1970's and the sound is pretty good.

My only experience with Pro-ject is the Debut Carbon and i was only so so about that turntable.

Rich
inna
7,296 posts
 
There is a like new Nottingham Interspace here on sale. You might consider getting it, and if you do you may not have a wish to upgrade for a few years or longer.
Yes, I have Nottingham Spacedeck/Spacearm.
Nottingham ownership would also put you in a club.
I started out with $500 Pro-Ject and got rid of it quickly.
That Technics is not supposed to be an audiophile table and it isn't.
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samzx12 OP
1,220 posts
 
Rich I totally agree that some pressings aren't the best. I used Steely Dan's Greatest Hits as a reference because its recorded well. The 1200 sounded thin and edgy where the Pro-Ject sounded smoother, airy and more robust. The 1200 wasn't awful but nothing like the Pro-Ject. The 1200 was definitely more alive but not in a good way in my opinion. I wonder what the differences are between the 1200 and ST-150? Does the ST-150 sound less metallic or thin than the 1200 in stock form?

Inna...I will check into the Interspace more. The only negative thing I see so far is the tonearm can be susceptible to vibrations. It looks very interesting however, as I know Nottingham makes great TT's.
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