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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
mmakshak
589 posts
 
I'm not talking intellectual(i.e. using your mind to come to a conclusion), and I'm also not in the market, so it's a less important subject to me compared to others.  What I am talking about is listening to the RP8 and the RP6 on YouTube.  In that context(you can listen for yourself.), I don't believe they are in the same league.
tzh21y
1,654 posts
 
i really want to know how the arm is the weak link.  I am getting mixed signals on this as some say it is great to the point where they feel they have no issues with putting 5000 dollar cartridges on it.  fremer has a 9000 dollar cartridge on it in the video.  whats up with that?  The only thing that looks weak on the arm is the headshell.
avanti1960
1,415 posts
 
possibly because it is only a 9" arm?  
tzh21y
1,654 posts
 
lol.  It looks and sounds pretty good to me. 
Ag insider logo xs@2x
rauliruegas
12,876 posts
 
Dear @tzh21y : A tonearm with removable headshell design has a lot of advantages for you and any owner, in no priory order:

- we can match any cartridge in better way changing/mounting and listening with different headshells till we decide with wich one performs the best.

- one desired " characteristic " in a tonearm for performs the better is that its counterweigth stays ( on the cartridge final set up. ) as close as we can to the pivot bearing and with different headshells weigths we can acompplish that.

- a weak point with the stock headshells is the headshell/female connectors and here we have to change for better quality, something than a non-removable design preclude.

Now, I don’t have on had this Technics TT so I can’t attest what other people say about that the tonearm is the weak link in that design. I think that first we have to listen in stock status and then help us with different headshells and headshell wires and then decide if really is the weak link. Obviously that exist several tonearms that can performs better.

Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,
R.
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