McIntosh MT5 vs Rega 8 or 10

For some unknown reason, McIntosh is taking extreme amounts of time regarding repairs, orders, etc...

As stated before, McIntosh tables are made by Clear Audio. Their turntables mainly appeal those who have McIntosh systems and want to keep the aesthetic. McIntosh makes an electronic sign that display's 'McIntosh' in green and an electronic clock that displays the time in green. Both are above a thousand dollars. And if people have the expendable cash flow to purchase McIntosh equipment for these aesthetic reasons, that's fine but if you're on a budget, I'd seriously consider something comparable to or even better than, for less money.

So then that leaves you with the Rega. I personally am not a fan of Rega's laminated foam core construction. I also had a friend that ordered the P3 and he kept getting a ground hum from the tonearm. He kept taking it back to the dealer until they exchanged the Rega for a Clear Audio. My thought is that you're not likely going to have a problem with the P8 or P10. If you do decide on the Rega, I'd consider installing an Origin Live tonearm in place of the Rega tonearm. I'm guessing that you could order the Rega table without a tonearm but I might be wrong about that.

Thanks for the info My dealer likes Clear Audio, so I am just starting to look at them as well. Which Clear Audio model do you like, or at least compares to the McIntosh TT5? I believe their Performance DC air and DC wood lines compare favorably to Rega’s?

" I believe their Performance DC air and DC wood lines compare favorably to Rega’s?"

Arm choice will probably bump the price up quick.

The Performance with the linear TT5 arm looks impressive. Non air so no compressor box/line fuss. 

@bwguy, I'm using the Apheta 3 MC cartridge on my P10.  My phono stage is a Luxman EQ-500.  I had an Apheta 2 on my RP10.  When I upgraded to the P10 I went with the Apheta 3.   I think the "3" quite a bit better than the "2".  Many of the rave reviews of the P10 used the Apheta 3.  I quite happy with the P10/Apheta 3 with no desire to change. Put the money you save by not buying the Aphelion into the best phono stage that you can afford.

I have owned both the Rega P8 and P10 at the same time, both are fine tables and well built and engineered, of the 2 I kept the P8 and upgraded from the P10 to Pure Fidelity Harmony and origin live arm/dynavector cart, and in fairness to the p10 its more money, of the 2 the P8 is a better value...(my opinion).

You have to start somewhere, maybe get the P8 with say exact2 cart, find a good dealer 1st.....live with that for awhile and hopefully dealer can loan you a p10, usually with apheta mk3 cart, and stepup if you dont have one.

If to your ears its much better....you know which direction to go, if you aren't sure about the differences....you have your table set up.