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Help me decide between these two turntable/cartridge combinations

In about 6 weeks I plan to pull the trigger on a new turntable/cartridge combination. I have narrowed it down, and am torn between the following two:

·         Rega Planar 8 with Apheta 2 Cartridge ($4295)

·         EAT C-Sharp with Ortofon Quintet Black ($3,995)

These two turntable/cartridge combinations are at the very limit of what I can spend – in fact the Rega is really pushing the limit. I’m looking at these combinations because of the discount that comes from bundling these cartridges with the turntable – plus they come installed from the factory.

One of the requirements I have is that the turntable must have a low profile – the total height cannot exceed 5.3 inches. This rules out other models like ones from VPI, Pro-Ject, etc.

These two turntables take totally different approaches – with the Rega being very lightweight and rigid, vs. the EAT which weighs three times what the Rega weighs.

The equipment I would be using it with – a Parasound P6 preamp and A21 Power Amplifier, and B&W 702s2 speakers with DB4S Subwoofer. The listening area is a finished basement – wall-to-wall carpeted with padding underneath, on top of concrete, so a good strong foundation is in place.

I listen to about 50% classical, 25% Jazz/Blues and 25% classic rock. Most of my records are fairly high quality – MoFi Original Master Recordings, Deutsche Grammophon, etc.

I’ve searched through this forum – the Rega has received great comments (as well as great reviews from the magazines). Not as much on the EAT, although Absolute Sound was fairly positive. I found it interesting in this forum someone got the EAT and returned it due to mechanical noise/vibration (through the Audio). They replaced it with the Rega P8 which did not have this problem.

One possible concern – I sometimes play my records loud, and my speakers are only about 4-5 feet away from where the turntable is. I’m wondering which of these two might be better under these circumstances. It does not seem to be a problem with my current turntable – a 35 year old Bang and Olufsen 2404 turntable with MMC-2 cartridge.

Comments? Which one would you prefer and why, or would you recommend some other table/cartridge combination that is low profile and under $4,000?
btanchors

Showing 3 responses by btanchors

btanchors OP
13 posts
 
millercarbon - very thoughtful response.  I find it interesting that your philosophy favors mass, yet you recommended the low mass Rega.  However, your comments about MDF are well-taken.  Also, your comments about separate turntable components are also well-taken, but given the discount you get by getting the package I thnk allows me to get better value for the money.  Plus, I have to face it - My wife struggles to understand how anyone would possibly spend $4K on a turntable.  I've gotten away with lots of expenditure on this system so far, so I don't think separate turntable components are in my future.

mijostyn - I am puzzled by your comment.  Do you think the Ortofon Quintet Black is that much better than the Apheta 2, which is nearly twice the price?  Or do you dislike the Apheta 2 that much?  Can you tell me your reasoning?  Also, I would not get the package discount by putting the Ortofon - I would have to purchase it separately.


tablejockey - Agree using the Phono stage in the P6 is not optimal - eventually I plan to get a separate phono stage, but can only afford to focus on one component at a time, and given my current turntable/cartridge is 35 years old, that is the current priority.
btanchors OP
13 posts
 
I have a rather expensive stereo cabinet that has sentimental value.  The top shelf will only accommodate up to about a 5.3 inch tall turntable.  The cabinet has a lid that opens and closes, but if the turntable is higher than 5.3 inches, the lid on the cabinet will hit it.  So, I would open the lid to access the turntable, then close the lid when not using the turntable.

I did look at the  Technics 1200G turntable, but it costs $4,000 without a cartridge.  I need the cost to top out at about $4,000 including cartridge...
btanchors OP
13 posts
 
tom_hankins -

What are your concerns/dislikes regarding the Apheta 2?  You must have some serious issues with it to accept an Ortofon (which you are also not a fan of) over the Apheta 2.  What are they?
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