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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
nkonor
635 posts
 
jsm71,

I am highly interested in the Technics 1200G. I recently added a Tru-lift tonearm lifter to both of my TTs. Linn LP12 and Kuzma Stabi S (the pipe bomb) Needed to slightly adjust the suspension of the Linn and a 25yr old VPI magic brick came to the rescue to obtain a flat surface and bring the Tru-lift to the height needed. Both work perfectly. Could not imagine not having the Tru-lift to pickup the tonearm for me. Makes using vinyl almost as easy as CDs.
The Tru-lift is more Spendy than the Qup but is more precise and adjustable. Only 3/4” in dia. Did not think that I could mount it on the Linn because of the tight space and I see that can / will be a problem with the Technics 
nkonor
635 posts
 
But I would take a closer look and measure the small area that is there.
ericsch OP
753 posts
 

@jsm71  What phono cable are you getting for your Technics?
 
tzh21y
1,654 posts
 
my local dealer is getting one so I will be listening to one soon
mmakshak
589 posts
 
I just listened to Fremer's Coliburn versus the new Technics direct-drive.  It was hard(I might have even gotten them mixed up.) to hear a difference.  I heard it on YouTube, but I would still advise listening in person.  The areas that might differ are in the high frequencies, and I noticed a download of Fremer's turntable, at a higher resolution(192kHz/24 bit?), was especially good in the midrange.  I still would try to listen to the RP8.  I could speculate on what the conclusions might be between the Technics and RP8, but I refuse to do so, because I think advice like that is bad advice, without an actual live listening comparison.
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