I have owned a Planar 3 & P25 and now currently own a P5.
In my years of experience with the Rega, I find that it works best on a light, rigid surface. I have tried a solid butchers block and in my opinion, it completely sucked the life out of the sound. I found the bass became less refined, muddy and the timing just seemed off. I currently have the P5 on a light MDF shelf, setting on a wall mounted shelf that is attached to the studs. The shelf is decoupled from the wall shelf with spikes turned upwards. I think it sounds sublime.
In my years of experience with the Rega, I find that it works best on a light, rigid surface. I have tried a solid butchers block and in my opinion, it completely sucked the life out of the sound. I found the bass became less refined, muddy and the timing just seemed off. I currently have the P5 on a light MDF shelf, setting on a wall mounted shelf that is attached to the studs. The shelf is decoupled from the wall shelf with spikes turned upwards. I think it sounds sublime.