New Rega P10 setup

Thanks @chayro, I may have to keep the shelf, although I am trying to minmize things.

And thanks @tablejockey and @ojc. I agree, my first inclination was to in fact purchase the P10 with the Apheta 3 cartridge. The ease of set up, as well as synergy between the cart and table seemed the logical choice.

But, the cost savings with the open box unit, using my current Soundsmith cart, and then upgrading to another cart next year seemed like a good plan.

It comes down to spending the extra $2,500 now, get a turnkey table with the Apheta, and leave it at that. Or save that money now, use my current Soundsmith cart. And next year have the option to buy an Apheta or maybe something further up the chain, in the $4K range.

I guess I wont be setting up a Rega P10 this weekend, they sent me a Planar 3 by mistake. Oh well. 🙄

Thanks for all the comments on the TT support. I will start with the unit on top of the rack and if it's too sensitive, I'll remount the wall rack. @mammothguy54 I will look at the Symposium Acoustics platforms as well.

@ghdprentice the LP12 is probably circa 1980s. I purchased three over the years, then upgraded and added the best parts the on one I use. Then the other two I will sell when I get around to it.

@smatsui interesting that you have both the LP 12 and the P10, along with Klipsch Cornwalls. I have the small Forte IVs, and plan on comparing the LP12 with the new P10 when I actually set the P10 up. The synergy you have found with the P10, Apheta and the horn speakers is compelling.

Mark

@crustycoot thanks for your concern, I'm not seeing the shipping error as a red flag. I talked with them this morning and everything fine. They sent an open box P3 instead of the open box P10. The warehouse guy probably doesnt know a P3 from a P10 from a PB&J. It's just all bar codes to him.

No  harm, no foul

Thank you everyone for the advice, this site is really a great resource.

Sooooooo, I went with a P10 with Aphelion 2.

I have to admit the amount of positive feedback from so many people regarding the Rega P10 with a Rega cart really had me thinking. Although the LP12 is a great turntable, I’m not a tweaker. And purchasing a open box P10 and trying to match up the right cart with shims is really not what I want to do. I want to listen to my records, and have great sound.

I will post some pics, or a video of the new unit, unboxing and set up, I think others looking at P10s may be interested. I may even set up the LP 12 and the P10 on the same system for comparison.

Thanks people,

@mjmcubfn I agree, Pass Labs XP15 is a great phono stage, I don't even have the urge to go up the XP chain. Pass Labs gear is a great value all around.

Having the Rega P10 and Aphelion in my system for a month now has really taken things to the next level. Very Clear and detailed while listening to my jazz and rock favorite LP's. I agree that the P10 with the Alphelion2 combo may be very slightly on the bright side, but in time, with break in, and right combination of gear and phono settings, as well as some tube rolling on my PS Audio Pre, the sound will even out. The sound overall is fantastic, describing the sound as very slightly bright is splitting hairs, especially playing most of the time with the Klipsch Forte IV's, which may be a little forward.

The P10 sits on a SolidSteel rack I purchased from Crutchfield. There is no issue with footfalls whatsoever. My previous Linn LP12 was very sensitive, and needed to be mounted to the wall. Also, in comparison, the P10's simplicity vs the LP12 is a nice change. I am sure a new, properly set up LP12 will sound amazing. But having a 1980's LP12, that may or may not be set up perfectly, always had me wondering if I was missing out.

I have been swapping Pass Labs amps, Mc240 amp, Klipsch Forte IV and the Sonus Faber Electa Amator, experimenting with the new TT. It's been great fun.

I have invested in some nice gear, have a great sounding system, and really enjoy listening every night, but my room is still the weak link. I have to agree with the premise that good gear in a poor room will never produce the sound one strives for. I have learned the room is equal to any piece of gear in the system, and this piece can hold the entire system back. My plans for a dedicated space are on hold for the time being, but I look forward to that design / build project.