I want to move from Rega Planar 6 help me to pick a new turntable
Hi Folks,
About couple of years ago I got Rega Planar 6. Now since I got more experience with turntables and know what I want from it I am looking for a new one.
There is nothing wrong with Rega Planar 6. In fact I enjoy it and if asked I would recommend it to other people. As long as they don't care about VTA and Azimuth. And this is the main reason I want a different table. I somewhat agree that VTA is not a huge deal and on Rega you can get a spacers, not too convenient, but not too bad either. But Azimuth for me is crucial. My experience with lots of different cartridges - most of them don't have stylus perfectly perpendicular to the surface.
I don't necessarily looking to upgrade to something much better. I want a turntable that has adjustable Azimuth. I may consider an upgrade but want to stay below 3k.
Also I don't want anything with suspension, my floors are too resonant and believe me my kids could jump upstairs so hard I sometimes have recessed ceiling lights falling off :) And for some reason I don't care about ProJect.
There is also a limiting factor of availability. Because of COVID production stopped and wait times are months in some cases.
So far I have identified the following options (based on my preferences and availability).
Technics SL-1200GR - $1.7k
VPI Prime Scout - $1.9k
EAT B-Sharp - $2k
VPI - Scout 21 - $2.8k
Music Hall - MMF-9.3 Turntable - $2.7k
EAT C-Major - $3k
The only table outside of my price range that I might consider is Technics SL-1200G for which I've heard extremely good reviews.
The rest of the system
Cartridge - temporarily DL-103. (before I had Ortofon Quintet Black S and Audio-Technica ART9XA)
Phono stage - Parasound zphono xrm
Amp - PrimaLuna ProLogue Premium
Speakers - Martin Logan Motion 60XTi
Thanks,
Alex
If you do not care for Pro-Ject then you may want to rethink the EAT table, made in the same factory. They are partners. I would look at Clearaudio I have been using their tables for years. The Concept is in your range. Or better yet save up a little and get a vintage Thorens. The new 1600 is very nice. |
@adrobitko - if you are happy with the Rega and just want VTA and Azimuth why no just replace the arm with an Audiomods arm.
It will fit the plinth nicely, but you might have to put 1/8" spacers under the lid to clear the micrometer adjustment. It will trounce whatever arm you have on the rega right now and look better while doing it I’ve had the old Classic Series III for about 10 years and an extremely happy with it
Also get the one piece harness - it works wonders But if you must get a new turntable my vote goes to the Music Hall - they have great spec’s Regards - Steve |
@jerryg123 true about EAT. I ruled out Clearaudio Concept because of the USB. @williewonka I really don't want to go through arm upgrade rabbit hole yet :) But music hall looks nice |
