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P1,2,3: the best Rega for the job

Of the P1,P2,and P3-24, can anyone offer any thoughts other than to get the most expensive one that a person can afford? Or is there applications in which each could be the best answer? For instance, I have a Mira 3 and GMA Europas. I want to try vinyl (again - didn't fall in love with the Pro-ject or the Technics) and probably won't amass more than 30 records in the next year (no used stuff 'round these parts). I listen to stuff like Lyle Lovett, Wilco, Feist, Phish, but no classical. Could the P1 be "good enough" to let me give vinyl a chance? Is there really a reason for the P2? I'd be inclined to either save with a P1 or splurge the P3 and call it done, but maybe it represents the elusive happy medium. Or does the P3 outclass the Mira's phonostage? My current thought is to try a P1 with a glass platter and "maybe" put a 2M red on it. But that gets close to the price of a P2 with the Bias installed... which isn't that far, in audiophile dollars, from a P3. Hence my dilemna. Thanks to all for your thoughts and Merry Christmas.
clbone
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knownothing
1,589 posts
 
I have listened to all three on the Mira and you can definitely tell the difference between the them with that amp and speaker combination. I have three older belt drive turntables at home from the 70's and 80's and I could only justify the outlay of cash for the P3 based on what I heard - the P3 starts to hint at what vinyl can do, and provides a solid foundation for the future. Yes, the P2 is modifiable (as is the P3), but if you are going to go that route, buy a used P2 that has already been modded. If you are concerned about price and your future commitment to vinyl, try something used like a nice direct drive Technics to test the waters instead of the P1. If you feel like jumping in with both feet - get a new P3 - you wont regret it.
steveaudio
331 posts
 
P1,2,3.....I've never owned any of those, but I had a P25 that I loved. Last I knew, you could get a nice used P25 for $500-ish. At least consider used TT's.......

cjnolan
27 posts
 
The biggest differences here are the arm, platter, and motor (power capability). The P3/24 has a substantially better arm than the P1. I think it's worth the price difference alone. You can also upgrade the power supply to the feedback circuit TTPSU.

My take is that if you are at all tweaky, you're going to be upgrading the platter to the glass one, the mat, and maybe the arm wiring. There now you're at the cost of the P3/24. The P5 gets you a slightly better plinth and the same basic arm & wiring with a machined vs. molded base. The P7 and P9 are where it gets really interesting.

I also don't think any of these will outclass the Mira phono stage.

I had a P3/24 and think it's a great value, and excellent performer.
learsfool
1,215 posts
 
To add to what Cjnolan said, the P5 does has a better arm than the P3-24, the RB 700 as opposed to the RB 300. It is definitely a step up, IMO. But it is also perhaps out of your price range. If you want to get a starter table, I would go with the P2. Most Rega dealers will give you a deal if you like the sound and want to trade up from there. The Projects and the Technics didn't particularly wow me, either, so I hope you enjoy the Rega. It will give you much better soundstaging and imaging than those other two brands, for sure, and better resolution of instrumental and vocal timbres.
clbone OP
41 posts
 
Thanks to all; lots of food for thought. The P5 is out of scope until I have at least its price invested in vinyl. Until then, a couple of you seem to have faith in the P2 and nobody has suggested the P3 is more than this beginner needs.
A thread at vinyl engine makes an interesting comparison between the Elys and a Denon 110. The guy thought they were more or less equals, except in the bass where the 110 triumphed...until he properly isolated his table, then he said no question in favor of the Elys. The point of this is not to start a Denon/Rega cart debate but to say that his post suggests one could do much worse than trying the P3 with Elys, especially if one doesn't care to learn the art of cartridge installation any time soon. The P2/Bias is intriguing for the same reason but I don't know that I've ever heard of anyone really liking the Bias. Carry on!
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