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 

adrobitko

I was actually thinking of upgrading amp and maybe speakers, until I’ve done my taxes and the check I own to IRS crossed all my plans for the upgrades :)

the Rega P6 is amazing and I think better than most of the turntable mentioned on your wish list. 

It is said that, out of the box, the 1200GR is 85% of the sound quality of the 1200G. As a 1200G owner, I can say that it is my last turntable. Out of all the tables you mentioned, I would say get the 1200GR. It is not apparent until tou take possession of a Technics, just how well executed this product is.

It will play just as well in 40 years as it does out of the box. 

 

@shriber as I stated in my post, I think it is an awesome table and great value for money. If one does not care about azimuth or plan to use rega cartridges I would highly recommend it. It is one of the best in the price range. 
 

 But after two years I realized I need azimuth adjustment. We all have our preferences. Some must have perfect VTA setup. I don’t care about it too much. 
 

@sandthemall that’s what I’ve heard too. Also I heard that with some upgrades one can make it sound even better than 1200G. Not that I plan to, but it tells a lot about the quality. For this reason the only upgrade I might consider is to 1200G

@adrobitko      You are right.  Azimuth is more important than VTA.  So it's important to avoid buying a cart on which it is off.  Check and measure before accepting.  Much cheaper than buying a new table.

Such carts should not be sold although I know they are, and sometimes by high dollar names.

Turntables with lots of adjustments can be less rigid than simpler set-ups and it is critical that there is absolutely no movement or vibration at these joints that will allow the stylus to be displaced and pick up signals other than from the modulations cut into the groove.  Even a micron will cause distortion.  This is more important than being a degree or two out on azimuth.

The best course is to buy an accurately built cart and a simple well-engineered table.