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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
tomstruck's avatar
tomstruck
352 posts
 
You owe to your self to check out the Clearaudio Performance DC or DC Wood
it's in your price range  The table is steps above Rega or Technics  I have Performance DC with the Clarify arm and Talismann v2 gold cartridge  Clearaudio has great selection of arms fit and finish is second to none   love my tables  it has the blackest back ground better bearing the magnetic bearing cuts the number of bearing in half The tonearm has no bearings  super stable speed, better plater no mat needed keep the plater from ring like the Rega glass plater i had a Rega P3 w/ Exact 2
The only experience I have with Technics is in the 70s when I DJ they are great for that task
invictus005
597 posts
 
@tomstruck Technics SL-1200 was never a DJ table. Not the new ones. Not the old ones. Never have, never will. They are turntables built exclusively for audiophiles. Some DJs did use them, but that's their problem.

My experience with Clearaudio differs as well. The Concept is an extremely overrated and overpriced entry level turntable. It's no better or worse than entry level Rega and Pro-Ject turntables. The Performace DC is only marginally better.

SL-1200G is in another league. I just picked one up myself to play with. My main turntable being Michell Gyro SE with an SME 309 tonearm.

I'll have more comments when the 1200G breaks-in. But initial impressions are that it's a serious contender. I will also order an SME Model 10 soon to compare.

Gyro SE, SL-1200G, and SME Model 10 are probably the best current turntables under $10K.
pani
1,219 posts
 
Gyro SE, SL-1200G, and SME Model 10 are probably the best current turntables under $10K.

Thats an overstatement IMO. $10k is a serious budget. There are many great sounding TTs for that kind of money. Consider the likes of Kuzma Stabi Reference, Rega RP-10, VPI Super Scoutmaster, High spec LP-12, Nouvelle Verdier, Avid Volvere/Acutus SP, Nottingham Hyperspace, Dr.Feickert Blackbird....
All these are seriously good sounding TTs in their own rights. It will be amazing to see where the 1200G really falls into.
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cleeds
5,967 posts
 
invictus005
... Technics SL-1200 was never a DJ table. Not the new ones. Not the old ones. Never have, never will. They are turntables built exclusively for audiophiles. Some DJs did use them, but that’s their problem
It isn’t clear why you make this claim - I don’t recall the SL-1200 ever being marketed to audiophiles. In fact, the SL-1200 wasn’t even the top of the line for Technics during much of its product life. The audiophile magazines of the day were filled with ads for turntables, and I don’t recall Technics ever promoting the SL-1200 in them. In fact, direct drive turntables were very much out of fashion in the audiophile world after many of the early Japanese turntables proved to be such disappointing performers. None of my dealers had the Technics for sale and the DD turntables they did offer were very much high-end, such as Kenwood L07-D, Denon DP-75 and DP-80.

For much of the last 40 years, direct drive turntables were more the exception than the rule in audiophile systems. I think many still harbor a lingering prejudice against them.
tzh21y
1,654 posts
 
I just changed alignment to stevenson.  I like it better on this table.
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