Has anyone heard the new Rega RP10?

I bought an RP-10 about a month ago and once I got it set up with the correct VTA for my Cartridge (Kleos) I have been very pleased. I had heard the RP-8 at a dealer which also had a Kleos and I came away wanting more bass. I feel that the RP-10 delivers that bass as well as a very musical tonality through-out. I traded in a well equipped Linn LP12 that I had for about 5-6 years and it was a tough decision to make the change. I looked at a few other tables and felt that Rega would be a less dramatic change in musical presentation. Some tables, regardless of how good, just seemed to swing the pendulum too far for me to make a transition. That said, I really am very pleased with my decision, the RP-10 deliveres the music in away that pleases my ear on most every level. It has great pacing and is very very quiet, and seems to track effortlessly. I used it about a week with the outer plinth and cover and decided to use it in the "skeletal" mode and had a custom acrylic cover made. I believe that the absense of the plinth and cover add to the silence of the table. I am also impressed with the construction, in the showroom I thought, Wow!, this looks really skimpy and easily damaged. But once I had it at home and looked it over I realized that, although delicate, it is not flimsy in any way. I do want to try a few tweaks, such as the GrooveTracer counter weight and possibly the optional feet available from Rega.
As far as how it compares to other tables, I originally set out and made a deal on a Classic III, but I just couldn't pull the trigger as it seemed such a big departure from the LP12 and the Rega seemed to be a much smaller step and a more comfortable mental choice. I will say with confidence that I am not looking back with any re-morse or "what if's". I do hope in a few more years I can afford to step up to another table, but I have come to realize that, that gap will require a substancial financial leap. That is of course when that upgrade bug bites again, (is there a repellant for that?? other than budget)

On a psychological plain, I have renewed my desire to buy more vinyl..

Tablejockey, I am considering a base for the table. As a woodworker I
would like to make something. I had thought about 1.5" MDF with a
cherry veneer. I had made one for my LP12 and recessed some Aurios into
it. But this table doesn't have the footfall issues the Linn did. Years ago I
had a P25 and had it on a Base platform with AQ feet. But as time allows, I
would like to make something but work has me strapped for shop time right
now.
I do intend to experiment with a few things to see which direction I need to
go.
In another thread, Jonathan Carr gave me advice on the VTA shim
thickness and he recommended 3.4mm and I am using pre made shims of
3.5mm, I would like to have a 3.4mm single shim made but haven't had the
time to meet with a machinist. Many thanks to Mr.Carr for his help and
cartridge design.
Thank you for your comments.

Kiko65, If I may, when you employed your Groovetracer Counterweight, did you completely relieve the tension on the arm's VTF spring? I discussed this with the gentleman at Groovetracer and he insists that it best to relieve the spring tension by winding the VTF adjuster beyond 3. I have an Ekos on my LP12 and I had set the VTF via scale but kept about .5 on the tension of the spring. I did this because of the advice I had received from a couple of Linn forums. Their claim was that a completely relaxed spring could "rattle" and that was my thought on the Rega arm.
So I am curious what method you used with your Delos as it should weigh the same as my Kleos. Also the gentleman at Groovetracer told me the 150 gram was best for my arm/cart combo. I wanted to go with the 130 for the reasons mentioned. I am wanting to order soon and want to get some feedback on setup.

Thanks in advance.
Theo

Kiko65, Thank you for your response. I understand your wanting to have the counterweight as far forward as possible. I see the advantages of the reduced "projected mass" behind the pivot point and it gives me food for thought and encouragement to do the same. And I do appreciate your sharing the proximaty issues with the arm lifter. That explains why Frank encouraged me to buy the 150gram weight. But my main concern was the spring as mentioned on the EKOS the concensus seemed to be apply some tension but they are different designs.
You have been a big help and I plan to place an order soon. Last time I spoke with Frank he had some health issues and was behind in inventory, I will give him a call and see how he coming along.

Again Thank You
Theo

Kiko65, I have mine on the way. I agree I don't plan to do anything else with the exception of experiment with platforms or bases to place under the table. I am very happy with the sound I have now but know from previous experience that counterweight will bring further performance improvements.

Thanks again for you help.

Kiko65, how deep should the sand be? I have heard that this sis a great isolation base as well as lead shot. But is 1-2 inches enough?

Thanks I do some woodworking and already have a vision of the design. Basically a open top box with a platform sitting on the sand but not touching the sides of the box, right? Your top link is very similar to what I was thinking but I think I would try different isolation between the box and the cabinet if setting directly proved to not yeild much help.

Thank you
Theo

Sbrownnw, I think I mis-led you when I said feet. My intentions are to try footers under the existing feet. The feet on the RP10 are threaded and although the guys at Sound Org state they are not designed for adjustment but they do have enough thread that I may try leveling and making a shim so that the feet are firm to the bottom of the plinth. Or just level via the platform I plan to make.