2. analog
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Direct Drive

I am firmly in the digital camp, but I’ve dabbled in vinyl.  Back in the day I was fascinated by Technics Direct Drive tt, but couldn’t afford them.  I was stuck with my entry level Gerrard.  I have been sans turntable for about 5 years now but the new gear bug is biting.  I am interested in the Technics 1500 which comes with an Ortofon Red and included pre amp.  I have owned Rega P5 which I hated for its speed instability and a Clearaudio Concept which was boring as hell.

  Direct Drive was an anathema to audiophiles in the nineties but every time I heard  one it knocked my socks off.  What do the analogers here think of Direct Drive?  I listen to Classical Music exclusively 

mahler123
goofyfoot's avatar
goofyfoot
1,383 posts
 

Empire made a beast of a turntable with low Wow and Flutter measurements. There were a number of models but I believe the 698 was it's better achievement. It's generally disregarded by the public majority.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/363282549682?chn=ps&_trkparms=ispr%3D1&amdata=enc%3A1y9s5pBFbQsWf9Z_nY3XUKQ74&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-213727-13078-0&mkcid=2&itemid=363282549682&targetid=4580702891777579&device=c&mktype=&googleloc=&poi=&campaignid=418640321&mkgroupid=1233652283797640&rlsatarget=pla-4580702891777579&abcId=9300602&merchantid=51291&msclkid=1cc3572a697a1bf8809834383450f7cd 

sokogear
1,100 posts
 

@mahler123  - wow - what a bad experience. I don't blame you for bad mouthing Rega. I would too. Maybe it was a problem with the US distributor because now (for as long as I can remember) they warranty the products for life (except for accidental damage or normal wear and tear for things like the belt).

They did change the PSU, because the one I have is different than the one I had with the P5. They changed the wiring plugs so it doesn't dislodge as easily when you bump into it. Just like they beefed up the wiring from the table to the phono stage. They continually improve their products. The best thing about Rega is their arms - hard to beat them for more than twice the price, and since they are included with the tables, it makes them a bargain. But not if they don't treat you right.

I haven't heard many complaints about them (really any), and my dealer is VERY objective - kind of a turntable geek (builds and modifies them) and he likes them a lot - for over 30 years. 

sokogear
1,100 posts
 

They also have a different PSU for the P10. maybe because it has a different platter and beefier bearing.

goofyfoot's avatar
goofyfoot
1,383 posts
 

@sokogear I can't understand why most Rega owners wouldn't opt for Origin Live tonearms. OL turned the Rega on its head and is considered a bargain.

dover
2,262 posts
 

They also have a different PSU for the P10. maybe because it has a different platter and beefier bearing.

With the P9/10 the power supply is hand tuned to match the specific motor that it is going to drive. In other words the power supply and motor are a matched pair in the P10.

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