rega P8 Ania pro setup questions

Howard, 

I have to say I was quite unimpressed by the Planar 8 compared to my VPI classic 3 with Ortofon Cadenza Black.  I played for a while in my main system then put in in my office system.  Still unimpressed in the office and with the short captive tonearm leads I couldn't put it where I wanted to I put it back in my main system again just for fun, thinking I would sell it.  Wow it really must have broken in or something because now it sounds really good.  I'm quite impressed what you get with a very simple set it and forget it package.  Very easy to use and sounds really good.  This is a no brainer for someone who doesn't want to mess around with all the fiddly stuff in analog.  So quick and easy to flip a record.  The VPI is a big to do, have to remove the clamp take off the periphery ring, prob take 5X longer to get a record playing vs the P8.  Also P8 is very small and light and easy to live with compared.  I don't think the P8 is the end all be all but it gets you way into the sound that is what's good about vinyl.

We are a rega dealer you would only use one belt

Thanks for this, ejlif. I've long been thinking the Planar 8 with the Anna Pro could be my next -- and final? -- turntable. Set it and forget it is exactly what I want. I like to play records and enjoy the music rather than futzing with VTA, etc. And with the two belts that come with the TT, too!

I think it could be your final table.  It's sounding better and better to me.  I am tempted to upgrade to the Planar 10 and top cartridge and call it a day. The thing I like the best is that it's so quick and easy to use.  I don't do a thing, don't even turn it off when flipping a record just snatch it off the felt mat while spinning and I'm playing the next side quickly.  Prob 10X faster than the big to do when using the VPI.  The cart (Ania pro) which is hardly top of the line is also very good at minimizing the distractions of surface noise and pops and clicks compared to others I've used. 

@ejlif I was in your situation with the P8 and Ania Pro and decided at the time to upgrade the cartridge to the Apheta 3. What a revelation that was! The Apheta 3 is an excellent cartridge and took the P8 to the next level.

I eventually found an insane deal on a P10/Aphelion 2 that was too good to resist otherwise I would be extremely satisfied with the P8/Apheta 3. 

Like you, the ease of setup and use plus the quality of reproduction provided by the top Rega's make them a joy to use.