In that budget range I'd go for the Thorens td 203 with tp 82 unipivot tonearm. Rutherford's is practically giving it away. Yes, it comes with a thorens tas 257 mm cartridge, but the arm could easily handle, with aplomb, a $1K cartridge easily. Read the reviews for it, it's a great table that plays way above its price. I'd take that over any of the Rega stuff. The arm is also infinitely adjustable. Other than that, save as some have said.
Turntable Upgrade question..
Hey,
I've spent some time upgrading my system the past few weeks and I'm ready to look at a turntable upgrade. I bought a Rega planar 1 as my first turntable and its served its purpose thus far, but I'm ready to get one that matches my current system. Currently I'm running turntable--> Rega Phono MM Mk3--> Schiit Freya+ preamp--> Schiit Aegir--> Wharfedale Lintons.
My prior setup wasn't great so I was happy with planar 1 for awhile, but with this better system I think I can get more out if I get a better turntable. I like Rega and am leaning towards sticking with them, but would consider other models if anyone has any good recommendations.
I'd like to stay within $500-$600 so looking for something for a good value on the used market. I've been looking at a used newer model RP3 with an elys2 cartridge or an RP25 from '99. Both are listed at the same price. My question is would it be better to go with the newer RP3 that has an Elys2 cartridge or the P25? Reviews I've read seem to be in favor of the P25 vs the P3 but these are older reviews before the newer P3 was out.
I've spent some time upgrading my system the past few weeks and I'm ready to look at a turntable upgrade. I bought a Rega planar 1 as my first turntable and its served its purpose thus far, but I'm ready to get one that matches my current system. Currently I'm running turntable--> Rega Phono MM Mk3--> Schiit Freya+ preamp--> Schiit Aegir--> Wharfedale Lintons.
My prior setup wasn't great so I was happy with planar 1 for awhile, but with this better system I think I can get more out if I get a better turntable. I like Rega and am leaning towards sticking with them, but would consider other models if anyone has any good recommendations.
I'd like to stay within $500-$600 so looking for something for a good value on the used market. I've been looking at a used newer model RP3 with an elys2 cartridge or an RP25 from '99. Both are listed at the same price. My question is would it be better to go with the newer RP3 that has an Elys2 cartridge or the P25? Reviews I've read seem to be in favor of the P25 vs the P3 but these are older reviews before the newer P3 was out.
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- 12 posts total
I suggest you ’think long’ about features, flexibility, future uses now, as well as quality. How to narrow the choices? I decided Direct Drive, Quartz Locked for the Spinner as a categorical limitation. I like wood, love keeping vintage stuff going, and the lower cost of used, all reducing choices before looking in earnest. I was happy for years with a TT with single arm, then, with help here, I went to a large plinth with two tonearms, similar to this one sold here https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa0d8i-jvc-victor-tt-81-dd-turntable-cl-p2-dual-arm-base-ua7082-... One arm ready for Stereo, other ready for Mono, or One MC, one MM. Actually, I will probably squeeze a 3rd arm on the left side, thus have Mono/MM/MC. In my case I also decided to try a longer arm for my main cartridge. Actually, that’s what started my new setup, it can be seen in the last photo in this LP listing on eBay https://www.ebay.com/itm/George-Harrison/133534402519 these things are big, so considering size and placement of a future TT now might help with other decisions. size of plinth is in this listing https://www.hi-fi.ru/auction/detail/1155853?refsource=hifishark |
Just to check it out, I scored a good used RP3/elys2/b330 combo in glossy white, thinking it might be good for my upstairs family system. (upstairs family meaning the family room where my family and I attend to hang out a lot, not that I have an upstairs family as opposed to a downstairs family). What I hadnt anticipated was the output of the Elys2: 7.2mV! Wow! My Benz micro ace is 2.0 and my Hana SH is 2.5. Plus my LFD phono preamp is solder bridged to its MC gain of 53 db. Needless to say on the downstairs system that was a bit of an overkill. however, with my Schitt Mani adjustable gain phono stage upstairs, the sound was tamed enough. My main system turntable is a VPI HW-19 Mark 4 with a Jelco 750 EB and the Hana SH. A significantly higher investment than the Rega, but the latter performed superbly all things considered. |
- 12 posts total