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Rega RP8 or Technics SL1200G

I'm a bit reluctant to post this "either or question" because I know that everything in this hobby is subjective, but here goes.

I currently have a Rega RP3-24 with an Exact 2 and I want to upgrade to my final turntable. I have read all the reviews that are available on both tables and both received stellar reviews, although Fremer stated that his RP8 sample table ran a little fast. I like the simplicity of the RP8 ($3000), however, I also like the adjustability of the SL1200G ($4000) which eases the task of trying different cartridges, although I don't plan on swapping out cartridges very often. On the other hand, I am not adverse to using spacers to adjust VTA on the Rega so I can try  non Rega cartridges. 

So it really comes down to which table sounds better, which is built better, etc. I would like to hear from anyone who owns or has heard either of these tables. I won't have the opportunity to audition either one.

I listen to rock, jazz and some classical.

The rest of my system is:
Cayin A-88T MKII Integrated with Gold Lion KT88's or Svetlana Winged C EL34  
PS Audio GCPH w/Underwood Mod (planning to upgrade to Parasound JC3+)
Harbeth SHL5 Plus 40th Anniversary
Rega Apollo-R
Accuphase T101
Cables: Morrow PH4 to phone preamp 

Thanks in advance.
Eric

       
ericsch
ericsch OP
767 posts
 

@opuslab  Interesting, I never thought of the Technics as tractor-like looking, more mid-century to my eye. The Rega certainly is sleek, not as busy looking as the Technics.

@pgalvin     Which cartridge are you using?

 

lancelock's avatar
lancelock
1,107 posts
 
Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder and I agree the Rega is very stylish. This is less important to me than the sound although the look of the Technics does bring about certain nostalgic feelings when spinning vinyl.
avanti1960
1,581 posts
 
@lancelock 
did you run the ART9 on the scout?
if so it would be interesting to hear how the sound changed mounted to the Technics.  thanks.
lancelock's avatar
lancelock
1,107 posts
 
@avanti1960 , I did not have the ART9 before selling the Scout. I did run a Soundsmith Zepher on the Scout which worked well but not in the same league with the SL1200GAE and ART9.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,129 posts
 
Have you listened to an RP 8 in controlled circumstances, and if so, how did it fall short? That would seem to be of help to the OP.

From your post I can only assume that the Linn LP12 is not a well regarded vintage machine, as “...all the well-regarded vintage machines.......have powerful drive motors.” I tend to differ on that point finding the Linn to be a well regarded vintage machine with a different design brief.

Since it was designed as a specialist product, rather than for cueing in radio stations, a less powerful motor was used as it produces less vibration than a high torque motor. What vibration is left is mitigated by the belt rather than being directly transmitted to the platter by an idler or direct drive. The trade off is less secure speed accuracy and the benefit is a lower noise floor. Those are intentional design briefs. And though you may find the resulting sound to be inferior, it seems very hard to think that saying that the Linn is not well regarded can only be the result of turning a blind eye to the historical significance and longevity of the product.

For a second I thought that you might not consider it vintage due to the age. But the SP10 came out in ‘70 and the Linn in ‘72.

Happy holidays and all the best,
Likewise!

Its been a while since hearing the Rega in a customer's home. So I can't say that I've compared them. But I have compared the Technics to other tables such as the Kuzma, which is considerably more upscale than the Rega- if it were between the Kuzma and the Rega, I'd take the Kuzma in a heartbeat. The thing is, the Technics is able to keep up with the Kuzma (which is an excellent machine). The simple fact is, Technics did their homework and so it gives turntables costing a lot more a run for the money. IMO, most high end audio turntable manufacturers should be really worried about Technics right now.
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