it's not that don't like my current setup. It's more that I'm drawn to the potential for a very noticeable improvement in overall quality of the sound and musical experience. For example, reviews of rega TTs say the current P3 is better than my RP6, and the P8 is major step up in transparency, detail, etc. from the current P6. From what i have read, the volare offers a similar potential step up, but with like with different characteristics. So, I am looking for some informed opinions/experiences from readers to this forum to help guide me.
turntable recommendations
I'm currently running a rega rp6 with a groovetracer subplatter and a dynavector 20x2 cartridge. I quite like it, but Upgradeitis has set in. My goal is to get a noticeable improvement without breaking the bank, say $5 K absolute tops. I prefer new. Based on my search to date, my current finalists are a rega p8 with apheta 3, or a dr. feikert volare with Origin silver mk3a tonearm and a hana ml. Others I seriously considered are a clearaudio performance DC wood or a VPI prime, but with those I would have to put the Dynavector on it to stay under budget and it already has high hours on it. None of these choices are available to demo in my area (Seattle) so I'm reaching out to my audiophile brethren for your experience, to better inform my decision.
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do you listen to mono lps, i.e. early jazz? I’m like a broken record, but one of the best things I ever did was go for 2 arms, mono arm, stereo arm, instantly mix mono/stereo lps in a listening session. perhaps pick a TT that offers a second arm option for the future. https://www.ortofon.com/hifi/cartridges-ranges/true-mono/ |
Since you have complete an upgrade to your Rega, take a look at the various upgrades I have completed on my 1982 Rega Planar 2 http://image99.net/blog/files/04fdba8476cfd21bdd7a5fdf38c8cdf5-28.html But if you are not into DIY then consider these features.
- the Music Hall 9.1 or 11.1 turntable - has many of the features above Hope that gives you something to ponder :-) Regards - Steve |
Stantheman2, I just had this problem with a friend. Same limit. Here is what I would do and why. You have to play chess several moves in advance. Turntable Sota Escape $1250.00 Tonearm Origin Live Illustrious $2100.00 Cartridge Ortofon Cadenza Blue $1900.00 Grado Ref 3 $1500.00 Soundsmith Zephyr Mk 3 ES $1500.00 Lyra Delos $2000.00 ( a tiny stretch :) You are already noticing that I cut short on the Turntable. The Escape is a brilliant little table. It comes from a company that is a joy to deal with and they will always take their turntables back in trade so when you get that itch again you can move right up into a Sapphire which could easily be a final destination table. The Illustrious IMHO is the best value in the Origin Live line and could easily be seen as a last destination arm. It will run all of the very best cartridges without flinching and without compromising their performance. I do believe Sota will get and mount the arm for you as well as the cartridge if you like. Call 608 538 3500 and speak to Donna. As for the Cartridges, The Lyra is the one to go for but it might push you a little over. If you are heavily into rock and other high energy music I would definitely go for the Clearaudio Charisma V2 but it is also $2000 and a stretch. The Ortofon pushes it right to the limit and is an excellent all rounder. If you do this with the Lyra in a few years just swap out for the Sapphire and you have reached nirvana. Mike |
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