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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
pani
1,215 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.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
cleeds
5,734 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.
tzh21y
1,654 posts
 
I just changed alignment to stevenson.  I like it better on this table.
avanti1960
1,419 posts
 
I just ordered a GR and am looking into the details of alignment and it's ludicrous that Technics does not supply a decent protractor.  relying on the gauge and the cartridge body being parallel is not doing this table justice.  
FYI i have heard trustworthy opinions that  even the GR sounds better than the RP8.  
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