"I went with an P10 with Aphelion 2."
You can now get off the merry -go -round until you're ready to dump some serious cash. Now direct audio neurosis towards getting period, original mint pressings of what you listen to.
Enjoy.
New Rega P10 setup
So, I have been running a Linn LP 12 for a few years, I have upgraded with Mober remote power supply, new springs, Cirkus, Jelco 750 Arm. I have it mounted on a wall rack above my stereo rack. Because I do not have a means for someone to come in and properly set up the Linn so it runs "perfect", I have always thought I could be doing better, sound wise. Carts have been, Zu Audio DL-103 mkii, Soundsmith MIMC Star and Clearaudio Concept MC.
I pulled the trigger on a open box Rega P10 that arrives today. A total 180 from the LP 12. I'd appreciate your thoughts on a few things. Being that the Rega P10 is expensive and fragile, am I taking a chance purchasing an "open box" but saving $1,300.00 ?
Will the P10 require the wall mount to avoid the "foot fall" issue I had with the LP12? or could I place it onto of my stereo rack?
Do you think the Soundsmith MI MC Star would be a decent fit for the Rega RB3000 arm ? The Soundsmith site shows the MIMC Star working with arms 7 - 29 grams, but a compliance of 10.
At some point, I would like to purchase a high end cart, ie Benz Micro Ruby, ZYX or Soundsmith.
Current Set up
Pass Labs XP 15 phono,
PS Audio BHK Preamp with tube front end,
Pass Labs X260.8 mono blocks
Klipsch Forte IVs
(Sonus Faber Electa Amator IIIs in rotation)
I appreciate your thoughts
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- 27 posts total
I own a P10 and bought it used as well. No issues whatsoever. Super easy set up. It's sitting on a regular shelf (nothing audiophile) on a raised foundation. I experience no foot fall at. The P10 is super stable and seemingly absorbs the extraneous tremors. I can't speak to the cart, but I started with the Aphelion 2, downgraded to the Apheta 3, then went crazy and tried something completely different, the Ortofon MC5000. All 3 sounded great. The table is the star. The XP15 is perfect for it too. I've had 2 of them and keep looking for a better Phono pre and regret losing the XP15 each time. |
@mjmcubfn I agree, Pass Labs XP15 is a great phono stage, I don't even have the urge to go up the XP chain. Pass Labs gear is a great value all around. Having the Rega P10 and Aphelion in my system for a month now has really taken things to the next level. Very Clear and detailed while listening to my jazz and rock favorite LP's. I agree that the P10 with the Alphelion2 combo may be very slightly on the bright side, but in time, with break in, and right combination of gear and phono settings, as well as some tube rolling on my PS Audio Pre, the sound will even out. The sound overall is fantastic, describing the sound as very slightly bright is splitting hairs, especially playing most of the time with the Klipsch Forte IV's, which may be a little forward. The P10 sits on a SolidSteel rack I purchased from Crutchfield. There is no issue with footfalls whatsoever. My previous Linn LP12 was very sensitive, and needed to be mounted to the wall. Also, in comparison, the P10's simplicity vs the LP12 is a nice change. I am sure a new, properly set up LP12 will sound amazing. But having a 1980's LP12, that may or may not be set up perfectly, always had me wondering if I was missing out. I have been swapping Pass Labs amps, Mc240 amp, Klipsch Forte IV and the Sonus Faber Electa Amator, experimenting with the new TT. It's been great fun. I have invested in some nice gear, have a great sounding system, and really enjoy listening every night, but my room is still the weak link. I have to agree with the premise that good gear in a poor room will never produce the sound one strives for. I have learned the room is equal to any piece of gear in the system, and this piece can hold the entire system back. My plans for a dedicated space are on hold for the time being, but I look forward to that design / build project.
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I used a P8 for a few years. I learned that anything and everything affects the SQ. You can have it on an isolated platform, and it sounds one way; place isolation pucks under it and it sounds differently; place rubber feet under it and it sounds differently; use a clamp and it sounds much cleaner, and differently yet again. I had the Apheta 2 cartridge, which I thought was fine until I used a Linn Krystal, which was much, much better in all respects…after six months, I broke the Linn, and tried a Koetsu Rosewood, which was even better by a large margin, although I had to add weights for the Koetsu…once I heard the dramatic improvements, I kept upgrading, with a new TT, TA and cartridges… |
- 27 posts total