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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?
samzx12
inna
7,923 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.
samzx12 OP
1,232 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.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,531 posts
 
Sam 12...just for the heck of it get three dominoes, but one under the middle front, and two in the back corners. You can get used dominoes from the Salvation Army, etc. Another thing you can try which also might improve the sound is getting 3 small cans of Hunts tomato paste. Put them in the same place as I suggested the dominoes,...laying down. This will enable the turntable to roll if not careful, so don't do this if you have cats or kids.
samzx12 OP
1,232 posts
 
LOL Stringreen. I actually heard Del Monte tomato paste made better isolation platforms. I do have cats so I better make sure I have a dustcover :) Any suggestions?
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,531 posts
 
Sam...you think I'm kidding or out of my mind don't you. I actually made lots of money with these cans as an idea to create a company that sold the end result of the idea to audiophiles all over the country.
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