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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.  
stantheman2
guy-incognito's avatar
guy-incognito
169 posts
 
I had a modified planar 2 with all the groovetracer goodies and an upgraded rb330 tonearm. After a few cocktails I submitted an online trade in form to Hi'Fi Heaven in Wisconsin for a new model Planar 8 and they made me a very generous offer.  I have since traded in items twice with them and my dad upgraded Rega Phono stages via trade in with great results. 

If I were in your shoes with a $5k budget I would send in a trade in quote request detailing your current deck and all the upgrades and see what they can do on a planar 8 AND what they would do on a planar 10. Go for the Apheta 3 combo on both decks as it is totally worth it. I upgraded from the Ania to the Apheta 3 later and in retrospect, I should have took advantage of the combo discount. 

Can't say enough good things about my experience with Hi-Fi Heaven. I came out very good on my trades even with all the upgrades. I expected they would quote me a price that was laughable and I could put upgrading out of my mind.  Thats not what happened but I am the proud owner of a planar 8 and apheta 3 now.
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,911 posts
 
drive to Gig Harbor and see Eric at GHA, listen to well Tempered Labs w WTL cart or the superb for the $ Hana ML

on your way home bring your N-95 and you can listen to a SOTA sapphire w Hana ML 

seriously, Eric gets great sound... go see him.
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,911 posts
 
also, Advanced Audio in Tacoma and has a nice selection of Rega tables...fine sound also...

I was in there today, at GHA on Saturday, get halibut for lunch at tides tavern....
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,911 posts
 
and the above referral to Hawthorne is spot on also :-)
mgolpoor's avatar
mgolpoor
55 posts
 
You have a fine turntable & cartridge so you need to be carful about selecting equipment that would be significantly better than what you have and not just sound different.
My recommendation based on actual experience would be Clearaudio Performance with Lyra Delos.  
The level of detail and presentation of music that you will gain by this combination would be on an entirely different level and once heard it you could never go back to what you have now.
Unfortunately though I just pushed you to $6k total......I did not recommend this because I am unaware of your budget....I did it because you could spend $5k and get just a different sound or you could just wait a while and get a superb sound improvement.
You may also try and see if any of the dealers who carry both brands would offer a discount for the package.
  
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