78's through the system

Rega makes a 78 rpm version of the P3 and possibly the P2. Perhaps one could even economically convert a standard P3 or P2 to 78 rpm by changing one or both of the pulleys. Although the P2/P3 headshell is not removable, Gregm correctly points out that, with a removable headshell, you would still need to change VTA when you change to a different headshell/cartridge, which is not exactly convenient.

For $3K, you could get a used P3 AND a Michell and have a few dollars left!

Regards
Jim

Hi Zaikesman. How many 78 LPs do you own? How do they compare withh the 331/3 LPs? Are there some great sounding 78s? My parents have quite a few. Thanks for any reply.
Best regards

One of the less-expensive Clearaudio tables would be perfect for this. I think the "Solution" will support up to three tonearm/cartridge combinations at once.

You could probably get a "Solution table", RB250 tonearm to mate with your Glider, and a second RB250 to mate with a 78 rpm cartridge (like maybe a Grado, there may be others available).

As far as phono preamps go, for the sake of convenience you might want to buy two MS Phonomena's, so that there would be no need to swap cables every time you want to switch which format you're going to play. I don't know how the Phonomena will do with 78, but if you contact MS, I'm sure they can tell you.

If you shop carefully, you _might_ be able to do the whole deal for your $3k max budget. Enjoy!

One cool thing about being able to have three arm.cartridge setups is that later down the road you could add a third RB250 to your rig to support a mono cartridge, as well. I don't know what type of phono preamp would be needed for mono, but I betr MS can tell you...

Oh, one other thing, to control motor speed for 33 1/3, 45, and 78, you can pick up a used VPI PLC cheap, and still come in within your budget.

Zaikesman, I own a 1200 too. You can send it to Kevin Barrett of KAB Electroacoustics and have it modified for 78 RPM playback. His website is ( www.kabusa.com ).
The 1200 has dial-in VTA, so you just write down each cartridge's value, release the lock and dial it in. Just that simple.

You do not need to upgrade to a 'better' turntable unless you're willing to spend some serious money (thousands of dollars). Kevin has designed a tonearm fluid damper for the 1200. It is only $149 and it is absolutely outstanding.

My 1200 has Phoenix Gold interconnects, a JA Michell clamp, Sumiko HS-MMT headshell and an Ortofon X5 MC linked to a Monolithic Sound PS-1 phonostage and then to a Melos SHA-1 hybrid linestage. Line conditioner is a Tice A/V Solo. I can tell you the sound is truly high end.

The 1200 is a neutral sounding and very stable deck. Don't be mislead by well intentioned but misinformed/prejudiced persons who think it is a "DJ turntable"...