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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
sokogear
1,095 posts
 
@stantheman2 - you never mentioned your phono stage. Did you compare the P8 with its fantastic arm to the Feickert? It would have saved you a few bucks. Glad to hear you are hearing an improvement over the RP6 which is not surprising.
stantheman2 OP
8 posts
 
I am using  a music fidelity MX-VYNL phono stage with an SBooster DC power supply.  Re the P8, I have heard the P8; in that setup, I did not hear a major improvement form my RP6 setup.  The challenge in comparing turntables or other gear has always been  - different cartridge, different electronics, different cables, different speakers, different room, etc.  Particularly more challenging these days.  So, hear what you can,  do your research, and make the best informed decision you can.  I am extremely satisfied with my choice.  Finally, I was able to negotiate so there was essentially no cost difference between the Rega and Feikert setups.  
boothroyd
365 posts
 
I like the Luxman PD 151 recommendation as well as the Technics 👍

I’d go for a Technics SL-1200G with the Luxman mat ~ Game Over.
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,390 posts
 
@boothroyd,

I am using the Oracle hard record mat which does a fantastic job on my SL1200G in conjunction with a HRS record weight.  Amazing!
boothroyd
365 posts
 
@stereo5 ,

👍 Nice. Experimenting w/mats can be enlightening. From what the Luxman mat has achieved, I have no doubt the Oracle hard Mat w/HRS weight is very effective. Tried using an HRS (lighter one) & the Wave Kinetics W8 Record Weight (which looks like a Hostess Ding Dong 😁) with the Luxman mat - while they were different, I preferred using the mat plain. Like a true Technics, just toss records at it! 
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