Which: VPI HW19 Jr. or III vs. REGA P3 and P25


I've seen a lot of positive threads on the VPI HW19 series of turntables and have been considering this or a Rega P3 or P25 turntable. Anyone have an opinion on which of these machines is the best?? Obviously these 4 turntables are at slightly different price points, so to be fair lets compare them as follows:

P25 vs. HW19 III
P3 vs. HW19 Jr.
whyt_rabbit
Having heard both the Rega and VPI turntables many times, and speaking as a long-time owner of the HW-19 (first the original, then upgraded to the Mk3, and finally upgraded to the Mk4 with a Super Armboard), I'd recommend the VPI over the Rega in both cases. The HW19 Jr. gives you an excellent starting point that is upgradable all the way to the Mk4, but if you have the cash, I'd go with the HW-19 Mk3 with either the Rega RB600/RB900 tonearm, or the VPI JMW10.
try an audio note turntable 1 with an audio note arm 1..you may be pleasantly surprised
I would recommend the P25 over the VPI, simply because it just sounds more musical, especially in the area of PRaT.
For some very interesting insight into Tonearms read this thread. Good luck to you on your adventure.
Strange tonearm tweak Long
I would skip over the P3. The price scale reflects performence in this case. The P25 may sound quicker than the VPI, but the VPI can be upgraded and/or modified. The P25 does not offer an upgrade path. I have the VPI and like it. Especially good value used. Im thinking of trying a cheap mod to tighten up the bass. Dont get the wrong idea, at this price point the bass is excellent.
Set and forget? Rega P25. Set and forget with upgrade option? VPI.
I would look at Origin Live if you buy the tonearm seperately. The modified 250 is a great value that has spawned many copies.