New Rega P10 setup

@marktheshark

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…

@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.

I own a P10 and bought it used as well.  No issues whatsoever.  Super easy set up.  It's sitting on a regular shelf (nothing audiophile) on a raised foundation.  I experience no foot fall at.  The P10 is super stable and seemingly absorbs the extraneous tremors.  I can't speak to the cart, but I started with the Aphelion 2, downgraded to the Apheta 3, then went crazy and tried something completely different, the Ortofon MC5000.  All 3 sounded great.  The table is the star. 

The XP15 is perfect for it too.  I've had 2 of them and keep looking for a better Phono pre and regret losing the XP15 each time.

"I went with an P10 with Aphelion 2."

You can now get off the merry -go -round until you're ready to dump some serious cash. Now direct audio neurosis towards getting  period, original mint  pressings of what you listen to.

Enjoy.

Hello,

Most Rega arms are set to work with Rega carts. You will probably need a shim for other carts. I know someone who did several cart changes outside of Rega. Art9, Art 1000, and a few others. You will need a shim to raise the tonearm or level the VTA. Also, I believe Rega uses Stevens instead of Berwald or Lofgren to set up there carts using all three screws. I told a buddy to remove the center screw and set it up using the two more popular methods. Someone told me that Stevens is good for the bid classical crescendos. I like Lofgren and used the Dr. Feikert to setup my turntables. I will tell you the top two carts by Rega are hard to beat but expensive to buy separate. The Alpheta3 is really nice! Tell the cart company you are going to use to tell you the millimeter size shim you will need. Also there is a two piece shim that makes install easier since you do not need to completely remove the Rega Tonearm. I hope this helped. 

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,

@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

@crustycoot, I agree.  I don't see how a dealer could make such a big mistake.  Sounds shady to me.

They sent a Planar 3 when you bought a Planar 10 open box!!!!

That is the biggest reddest flag evah….The P10 comes in a much taller box than the lower models due to the larger speed box.

Send the P3 back and get a full refund.

Start again. 

@marktheshark , Good move. You might have to add a little weight to the tonearm for the Soundsmith. Soundsmith makes a very nice set of graded cartridge screws for this purpose. Get the HiFi News Test LP and the resonance tracks will tell you what to do. Although the LP 12's suspension is notoriously unstable you will still have footfall problems so use the wall shelf. If you want to put a turntable on your rack you will need either a MinusK platform or a turntable like the Sota, Basis or SME. The RP10 is however a great turntable for the money and the arm is excellent. 

@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.

Get the Apheta 3 now. In my opinion big upgrade over tweaking of a Linn

A few years back I traded my LP12 in on the RP10 as the LP12 had run its course with me. I realize the P10 is a different table,but yet very similar. I also have mine on a Symposium Seque Stealth and a Salmander cabinet. My floor is also a suspended floor and footfall is a real problem for me. I have been trying to come up with a solution to either add another isolated cabinet that could be placed against the wall or brace the floor from underneath. A wall shelf really isn’t a viable option for me, or at least without a custom shelf which could still propose other issues.

But as far as the table goes, it was my choice between a VPI Classic 3 and the Rega and I found the Rega to be closer in sound to the Linn. Incidentally I did at one time have the HRS platform under the table and it sounded great, however it was too big and I needed more room. But I think you will be very happy with the Rega once you get it set up.

I have the RP10 with the Apheta 2.  Also have the Pass Labs XP-15, as you do.  I would try the Apheta 2 or 3 and I think you will like it (depending on your musical tastes).  I have found this to be a terrific table/cartridge/phonostage combination.

Must have been disappointing to get a Planar 3 when you were expecting a P10.

Enjoy the new table when it arrives.

Mark,

I owned the P10 for about 22 months and really enjoyed it.  It's a quick turntable, very fast attack on kick drum, snare drum, and great with following a good bass line (bass guitar).  I wish that I had more room so I could keep it.  I upgraded significantly, but still wish that I had that P10.  When I placed it on the Segue ISO it made a significant difference compared to when I had it only on the top of the equipment rack.  My recommendation to you was with my actual experience.

I hope this helps.

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

@marktheshark

No matter the cartridge you use, the P10 will greatly benefit from sitting on a proper platform.   On top of your rack is fine, as long as you use an additional platform, turntable specific.  I highly recommend the Symposium Acoustics, model Segue ISO.  For the size you need it's about $400 and that will be the best $400 you can invest for your analog front end.  You can contact Peter (owner) at Symposium and he will be glad to advise you on the proper size, etc.  You can also step up from the standard Seque ISO by getting the Stealth model.  Peter can explain the difference and the benefits.  Enjoy the journey.

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.

Few turntables isolate themselves from footfalls on a hung floor. That is what wall mounts are for.

How old is the Linn? If it was set up correctly originally there should be no changes required. My dealer does setups. He observes “not setup correctly” is frequently washers upside down or in the wrong place. Really dumb stuff.

I look forward to hearing your impressions when you get your new table.

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

 "I purchased an open box, no cart for $2,500.00 less because that's what I can afford right now"

10-4. Didn't interpret your OP clearly. I'd simply try all your existing carts and see what sounds the "best" to your ears. Looks like you got it for a decent markdown.

I wouldn't bother with any other carts, IF I were using Rega. Goes against the principle of using Rega-Good table/easy cart install/no fuss setup=play records.

Use Rega to escape audio insanity-not that there's anything wrong with it.

As far as I'm aware all turntables benefit from having the best support possible.

You might be able to put it on your stereo rack without issues, especially if your floor is solid.

As far as a wall shelf goes, a lot will depend upon the type of wall structure and the proximity to passing traffic ect.

There's some information here on the Steve Hoffman forums regarding the proprietary 3 point rack that Rega themselves sell for the Planar 8/10.

https://www.rega.co.uk/accessories/planar-8-10-wall-bracket

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.

An open box product should come with full dealer support and warranty, so I think you have no more chance of a damaged item then sealed. Maybe less if it’s been inspected. As to footfalls, I don’t think the rega will do much better than the Linn, which is horrible with footfalls. You can try, but a wall shelf is a good idea. I persulike rega Cary’s with their arms, but Benz works well if you can get one. 

Rega Apheta-3 screws, adjust tracking force=ready to play.

Why isnt Rega's own high end  cart on your list?

If Apheta isnt enough Aphelion@$5500