@marktheshark, usually Rega offers a nice discount on the Apheta 3 (factory installed) through their authorized dealers when you purchase a P10. I assume you're buying the open box P10 from an authorized Rega dealer. The dealer may be willing to give you a good deal on an Apheta 3. Since the dealer screwed up sending you a P3, maybe he would be willing to compensate you with a great deal on a cartridge.
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
Showing 3 responses by smatsui
I have an upgraded 25 year anniversary Linn LP12 (I'm the original owner) with Radikal power supply, KEEL subchassis, Ekos SE arm and Akiva MC cartridge. I also have a Rega P10 with Apheta 3 cartridge. The turntables are in different systems and I've not tried comparing them in the same system. I love both of them. The LP12 is on the main floor (suspended above my basement) on my audio rack. I can make the LP12 skip if I jump near the turntable but if I walk by it, no issues. The P10 is in the basement (carpeted with padding) on my audio rack sitting on top of a Butcher Block Acoustics maple platform. No issues at all with my P10 skipping. I could jump rope in front of it without it skipping. Like many above, I highly recommend the Apheta 3 MC cartridge. The sound quality is fantastic and there's no fussing with it. The P10 is in a system with Cornwall IVs and a Luxman EQ-500 phono stage, and a Enleum 23R amp. I love the sound of this system. I also swap in my other speakers, Sterling Broadcast LS3/6, from time to time and when I do I switch to my Audio By Van Alstine 600R hybrid amp. |
@crustycoot, I agree. I don't see how a dealer could make such a big mistake. Sounds shady to me. |