I used a P8 for a few years. I learned that anything and everything affects the SQ. You can have it on an isolated platform, and it sounds one way; place isolation pucks under it and it sounds differently; place rubber feet under it and it sounds differently; use a clamp and it sounds much cleaner, and differently yet again. I had the Apheta 2 cartridge, which I thought was fine until I used a Linn Krystal, which was much, much better in all respects…after six months, I broke the Linn, and tried a Koetsu Rosewood, which was even better by a large margin, although I had to add weights for the Koetsu…once I heard the dramatic improvements, I kept upgrading, with a new TT, TA and cartridges…
New Rega P10 setup
So, I have been running a Linn LP 12 for a few years, I have upgraded with Mober remote power supply, new springs, Cirkus, Jelco 750 Arm. I have it mounted on a wall rack above my stereo rack. Because I do not have a means for someone to come in and properly set up the Linn so it runs "perfect", I have always thought I could be doing better, sound wise. Carts have been, Zu Audio DL-103 mkii, Soundsmith MIMC Star and Clearaudio Concept MC.
I pulled the trigger on a open box Rega P10 that arrives today. A total 180 from the LP 12. I'd appreciate your thoughts on a few things. Being that the Rega P10 is expensive and fragile, am I taking a chance purchasing an "open box" but saving $1,300.00 ?
Will the P10 require the wall mount to avoid the "foot fall" issue I had with the LP12? or could I place it onto of my stereo rack?
Do you think the Soundsmith MI MC Star would be a decent fit for the Rega RB3000 arm ? The Soundsmith site shows the MIMC Star working with arms 7 - 29 grams, but a compliance of 10.
At some point, I would like to purchase a high end cart, ie Benz Micro Ruby, ZYX or Soundsmith.
Current Set up
Pass Labs XP 15 phono,
PS Audio BHK Preamp with tube front end,
Pass Labs X260.8 mono blocks
Klipsch Forte IVs
(Sonus Faber Electa Amator IIIs in rotation)
I appreciate your thoughts