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Help for my return to vinyl -- $2K rig.

I'm thinking of buying my first TT, cartridge and phono preamp. I grew up listening to records and have perhaps 100 saved up from my youth.

As part of a move, I decided to upgrade my system, and my dealer is a devout vinyl guy-- I listened to a bunch of vinyl while auditioning amplifiers and really loved the sound. The setup I listened to most was a Rega RP-6 through either a bellari or rega phono stage (I'll just try to forget what I heard through the Shindo/Garrard rig in the big room). I believe that rig gets close to $3K including a cartridge, which is just a bit higher than I want to go at this point. I'm thinking $1,500-$2,000 for a new TT/Cartridge and used phono stage. I don't generally like to buy used components with lots of moving parts, but electronics are generally fine.

System:

Line Magnetic 518IA (22 Watt Integrated 845 SET)
Merlin TSM-MME
Cary 306/200

Here's the thing-- my budget will be high enough next year to get the Rega Rig mentioned above, maybe even something nicer, so if I'm going to be disappointed by the offerings in my current price range, maybe I should just wait a year rather than buying some typical entry-level rig and losing the money the minute I drive them off the lot and realize I want more. OTOH, I'd like to enjoy some vinyl now. I'll appreciate suggestions.

D
dkidknow
kiko65
279 posts
 
Hello Sbrownnw,

Been doing a little research on the Rega TTs and here is what I found:

The RP3 and RP6 plinths are slightly different:

RP6 - made from medium-density fiberboard
RP3 - made from coarser particle board

The finishes are different as I stated before.

The braces are also slightly different:

RP6 - the top brace is a sandwich of aluminum and phenolic RP3 - the top brace is all phenolic

The dustcover hinges are secured diferently:

RP6 - are secured with screws that are an inch and a half long and heavier-gauge
RP3 - used half-inch screws with lighter gauge.

Not sure if any of this will provide a significant sonic improvement/difference (not to my ears).

Anyways, you were right.
keithtexas
352 posts
 
Consider a Clearaudio table; sometimes the Performance DC comes up for around 2K.

Great engineering, simple no fuss setup, clean, accurate sound.
dayglow
1,917 posts
 
Look for a late model Rega P9(RB1000). Ask any P9 owner(included)and they will tell you a used P9($2500?) is impossible to better. The RB1000 tonearm will due justice for a mid-level Koetsu. Not many(if any)$2500 decks can pull that off!
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