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.

stantheman210-13-2020 6:02am

...
56 posts total
View entire discussion

tomic601 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 12,911 posts 10-14-2020 at 03:57am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete and the above referral to Hawthorne is spot on also :-)
mgolpoor Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 55 posts 10-14-2020 at 04:22am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete 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.
phill55 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 142 posts 10-14-2020 at 04:39pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Surprised no one has mentioned any of the VPI TT's. Used $3k for VPI classic 3 plus good cartridge (ART9, HANA MC,). That said I agree with comments on looking for solid phono pre amp...makes HUGE difference to sound out, Herron, Audio Mirror Trubadour ll SE, etc. Good luck with the search and watch out for Alice's rabbit hole :-)
jjss49 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 6,612 posts 10-14-2020 at 05:33pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete @phil55 i actually did in my post below (but without naming them... out of respect for harry) also, audio mirror tubador is a dac... not a phono stage... so we don't confuse things, you might mean something else?
mammothguy54 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 949 posts 10-14-2020 at 06:57pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete @stantheman2 About 6 months ago I bought a Raga Planar 10 with Lyra Delos. I also bought a better phono stage than what I had and chose the Manley Chinook. This combination is fantastic! I am amazed with the sound quality and mesmerizing effect every time I listen to it. Should you end up going with either the Planar 8 or Planar 10 I can tell you that what you place them on will make a profound difference. A flimsy foundation will not do well. A solid foundation is critical. I also highly recommend adding a Symposium Acoustics Segue platform. I did, and also added the Rollerblock Jr+ and it made a significant improvement in bass definition. It is a journey, no doubt, but these things can be added over time and as budget permits. By all means, begin with a great turntable and cartridge. You can upgrade to a superior phono stage and other items over time. The phono stage, however, being the greatest upgrade so pay attention to that one first. I hope this helps you. In any event, do enjoy the journey and the music.