Time to upgrade the old Dual turntable, looking for opinions.

I’ll second those brands/models identified in Alpha_gt’s post - and I own a Rega!

Back in 1985 when I bought my Rega Planar II - it was ahead of it’s time, great value and from a performance perspective, it challenged some of the "big names" in turntables.

Since then, I’ve upgraded almost all the parts on my Planar II to the point where the only thing that is "stock Rega" is the cover and the ON/OFF switch.

Even allowing for the large number of aftermarket upgrades that are currently available - If I had to choose today, I’m sorry to say I would not select a Rega.

Don’t get me wrong - I still think Rega offers good products, but they are now being seriously challenged - just as they challenged the "big names" - 35 years ago.

Will any other company match what Rega has achieved? - probably not.

But they also can’t afford to - "rest on one’s laurels"

Sorry Rega fans :-(

Thanks for the responses. I've certainly looked at the various models of Rega, Music Hall, VPI and Clearaudio among others, but as yet haven't done any active auditioning. At the moment I'm tending toward the used market for this, preferably local, though there is certainly an advantage to buying new, especially with respect to warranty service and possibly (though this isn't a central consideration) resale value if I decide to upgrade even further someday.

I use a Linn Basik/Akito (replaced the cable with a nice Mogami Jelco) rig and it’s so good I’m only considering replacing it because I don’t want to be there when it dies. I’ve concluded the following: Regas don’t allow for VTA adjustment, I understand why, but I refuse to use anything requiring shims. The lack of a dust cover also eliminates some models for me, as having to cough up the extra 350 bucks or so for a cover seems lame. I’m mildly interested in the new Pro-ject "The Classic" simply for its looks and perhaps design (more reviews will help me decide I suppose, although it has had some good press) as otherwise bouncy suspended tables can bounce…plus it’s around a grand with cartridge and all so there’s that.

Cooper52 - one last thought....

Turntables like the Rega - where the belt goes round the sub-platter, require the "Rega Nudge" to get them up to speed in order to minimize  wear on the belt/motor. But only if the platter is heavy like the Rega glass platters

Turntables that have a belt which goes around the outside of the platter get up to speed that much quicker and does not require the nudge regardless of platter weight. It's much less stress on the belt and motor but their belts tend to be a little more expensive.

Is it a BIG deal? - not really and certainly not a deal breaker - just something to consider.

However, if you have those high quality  45 rpm album sets that are out there - having to remove the platter to change speed may be a deal breaker. I have a couple and they do not get played that often.

Does anyone know of a conversion kit for this?

As always - Swings and roundabouts :-)

I have to remove the platter to put my Linn into 45 mode…I know I'll never get that 30 seconds back...*sigh*…and I'm often slightly drunk as I'm forcing dinner guests to listen to a single I played on in 1981…always worth it by the way…great single (released only in Japan).