Want to add vinyl to my system.


Hello all, 

I have an all digital system with a Lumin x1 streamer, Oppo 203, B&W speakers, Classe Sigma SSP, and Mac 611’s.  I want to now add vinyl into my system abd need a new turntable and phono stage.  I have been considering the Rega 8 or 10.  What do you think of the Rega’s, and which phono stage would you recommend?

128x128bwguy

Thought I'd add this ditty, for what it's worth.

After several hours of serious seat-time with a Rega P3 equipped with a modest Ortofon 2M Blue + MacIntosh MA5300 + alternately, the MAC's Luxman integrated amp competitor (can't remember the model number) + a pair of Focal Aria 936 + good, clean vinyl disks, I was truly impressed. As a result, I almost pulled the trigger for a Rega P6 with Ortofon 2M Black. One need not spend exorbitant amounts on a TT & cart to get truly impressive fidelity.

As for those who continue to proselytize the virtues of digital over vinyl, all I can say is I guess I have yet to hear a digital set-up that bests a comparably priced vinyl set-up and I've heard digital set-ups in the high 5 figure range, including amp, speakers, DAC and all that stuff. This includes CD players, transports, DACs, servers, streaming in the highest sound quality over Tidal, Qobuz etc. I tend to listen to my digital set-up when I'm entertaining guests, tooling around the house and stuff like that. However, when I'm in the mood or have time sit down with a good single malt, grape of some other fine beverage and can just sit back, relax and listen to my tunes, vinyl is where I go. So far, based upon everything I've read on this grand debate, it seems one has to spend a heck of a lot of money on a high-end digital set-up in order to achieve the same or, reportedly, better fidelity than vinyl. No question digital is quicker, easier, less fuss, more convenient, allows access to oodles of music out there in the great ether when you subscribe, of course, to a or a number of services and all that jazz. However, one needs to consider the cost(s) of those subscriptions which, to me, is just like tethering yourself to cable or satellite.

Vinyl is alot of work but if It's a hobby as well as a love of music then go for it. Rega should be great at the level you are talking. Phono stage for a couple grand and you are good. Cleaning records is a must for full enjoyment.

@oldaudiophile 

i couldn't care less about scientific arguments for and against vinyl. It's simply  magical (even with a P3), nothing like digital

I have an old Empire 598, so I replaced the tonearm with a higher quality one and gave it a Nagaoka cartridge, the sound is spectacular, that platter weights 25 pounds, smoothest spin you can get, really brings the old vinyl to life. 

For me Once is start is hard to back to digital .

the work only for first installation after that either enjoy it or go up the chain .

tweak or upgrade is up to you .so satisfying playing and listening too.