Has anyone heard the new Rega RP10?

Rega tables are susceptible to vibrations due to their purposeful and extremely efficient lightweight construction. After many trial and error sessions, I decided to construct a sanbox for my heavily modified RP3. I also replaced the rubber feet with threaded/adjustable brass footers for top notch isolation from external vibrations.

Now I am just simply amazed by the RP3's ability to reproduce the attack transients in music. Much better reporduction of dynamics and transient response with strong impact.

The bass is punchy and never feels congested, the treble is airy, spacious, and open.

This is, by far, the best set-up I have ever owned and I don't miss my Linn Sondek LP12 combo at all.

Rega RP3 (Only the plinth, bearing well, 24V motor, and double brace remains from the original TT, everything else is gone)
Rega RB808
Rega TT-PSU
Groovetracer Reference sub-platter with Zirconia bearing and Sapphire thrust plate
Groovetracer Delrin platter
Groovetracer 130 gram counterweight
Dayton Audio adjustable brass footers
Edwards Audio Little Belter
Clearaudio Clever clamp
Lyra Delos

Happy listening!

Schubert,
I am listening to music with great satisfaction. Tweaking the sound is part of the hobby.

Theo,
I completely relieved the tension on the arm's VTF spring. The completely relaxed spring does not "rattle" at all.

I went with the 130 gram counterweight because I wanted it as close to the pivot as possible (more stable and better sound). The only caveat is that I have to be careful when I use the arm lifter every time the cart reaches the end of the record becuse it ends up being extremely close to the outside weight of the conterweight.

Other than that, I couldn't be any happier.

Bobheinatz,
Haven't auditioned an RP10 but I extensively listened to an RP8 and, with good isolation and properly partnered, this TT can compete with the likes of VPI Classic, Well Tempered Amadeus, Clearaudio Performance, etc.

Happy listening!

Schubert,
I am glad we understand each other by respecting the individual approach to this hobby.

Theo,
I am glad I was able to help. Give my best regards to Frank. True gentleman that really knows his stuff. Personally, Groovetracer products have trully been a revelation in bringing out the best from entry level Rega turntables.

That said, I wouldn't change anything other than the counterweight on both the RP8 and 10. Their much improved subplatter, platter, double pulley, white belt, etc. are better than what Groovetracer has to offer.

The reason for tweaking my trusted RP3 was to bring it as close to the RP8 as possible because I fell in love with the sound of the RP8 and I couldn't afford to spend $3,000.00. So I started the slow proccess of acquiring the parts over a period of time.

Once finalized, a head to head comparison between my modified RP3/8 and a stock RP8 sold me out. Extremely similar in sound. If i had to descibe the main difference in one word I would say that mine sounded more "solid" while the stock sounded more "liquid". Subtle difference to my ears and extremely happy with the results.

Back to the original question posted:
other TT's in it's price range? Too many to mention but here are a few well reviewed examples:
Well Tempered Amadeus GTA or Versalex
Rega P9
VPI Classic 3
Basis Signature (various models)
Townsend Rock 7 with Origin Live arm
SOTA with Origin Live arm
Clearaudio Ovation
Michell Orbe SE with TecnoArm
Nottingham Analogue Hyperspace

Happy listening!

Sandbox Theo.
If you value pacing, quietness, and effortless tracking in your new table, you will be astounded by how much more quieter black background, taut, tuneful bass and overall eerie qualities you will be able to get with the addition of a sandbox!
Happy listening!

Theo,
1 1/2 inches deep should be good enough although mine is 4 inches deep with 3 inches of sand. I reviewed the following websites before I constructed mine:

www.cognitivevent.com/sandbox.html

audiokarma.org (cheap, easy yet effective DIY sandbox turntable stand)

vinylengine.com (Sandbox-anybody built one?)

Total cost for mine was $22.00 with some change. It came out rough (I'm no expert in carpentry) but extremely effective. Very heavy at around 50 pounds. I could send you a picture if you don't mind sharing your email address with me.

Hope this information is helpful.

Your vision of the design is correct. Good luck and happy listening!