Any Thought's on the "New" Rega Planer 8 (P8) Turntable - Apheta 2 Cartridge Combo
Any Rega owners / dealers / folks familiar with the table and/or brand have any thoughts / advise about this table / brand / combo?
I am trying vinyl again... Tried it before without much luck. Table / cart / phono set up was too finicky for me and I wasn't able to get decent sound. I sold it all and am now giving it another try.
I also chose a Sutherland Duo phonostage to match with it.
Would love thoughts, advise, ideas or feedback. I have never owned a Rega product before. Going to set it up tonight but still waiting for my phonostage to be mailed to me. Would love some feedback.
Good to hear you're making progress with your journey.
Yes, the interpretations of my entries should be read as just a point of view, and nothing else.
Many who are SS listeners seem to like what a tube phono stage adds. It may however, induce MORE neurosis with tube rolling! Also, if you're one of those who insist on absolute quiet, SS prevails. I'm not the type who puts their ear against the speaker to hear tube rush.
Ever notice mag review write ups on SS phonostagesinclude something like this-" brand X almost sounds tubelike?" Subjective like everything else, but something to ponder.After that, spending time with the existing cart is suggested. If more audio excitement is desired, I would read cartridge reviews for possible enlightenment.
Off topic stuff which may be helpful-
Are you also putting energy on room treatment/speaker setup? It can be the deal breaker with ANY level of gear. Many of us have to listen to our investment in a living space, so we are not hearing our setup in its best light.
It’s good that you’re getting glimpses of excellence, but to be fair that "Brothers in Arms" album is long known for getting the best out of systems, even when most other other rock albums fall flat. I’d keep letting the system burn/settle in for at least 30-50 hours, and get the VTF dialed in as soon as possible.
As for vinyl quality - I’m commonly disappointed by the SQ of reissues and Record Store Day issues. New music on vinyl can sometimes be quite good. Vintage can be great or terrible, but is often cheap enough to experiment. Sorry to hear you’re having struggles with some of your other vinyl purchases.
Off the top of my head, here’s a few of my favorites for sound quality & music quality:
Nirvana "Unplugged" (ORG best, but any is good) Alice In Chains "Unplugged" (MOV) Alice in Chains "Jar of Flies" (MOV) War on Drugs "A Deeper Understanding" A-Ha "Hunting High and Low" (original press) A-Ha "Unplugged (Summer Sessions)" Ten Years After "A Space In Time" Red Hot Chili Peppers "Blood Sugar Sex Magic" Al Stewart "Year of the Cat" Wild Nothing "Nocturne" Fleetwood Mac "Rumors" Daft Punk "Random Access Memories" Miami Horror "All Possible Futures" Tracy Chapman "Tracy Chapman" Klaatu "Klaatu", "Hope" Edguy - "Monuments" box set (if you like Euro power metal)
I wanted to thank everyone for all of their help and advice with my vinyl journey. I really appreciate it and you guys helped me clear up a lot!
My Digital set up that I am currently using is just too good. It's not just the DAC either. With digital everything matters.
Honestly it wasn't even close.
Here is what I bought for my vinyl front end.
Rega Planer 8 Turntable > RB880 Tonearm > Neo PSU Rega Apheta 2 Cartridge
SRA Silent Running Audio Ohio Class Isolation Platform
Sutherland Engineering Duo Phono Stage AudioQuest Fire RCA 1.0M Interconnects AudioQuest Niagara 1000 Power Strip AudioQuest Tornado AC Cable to power the AQ Niagara 1000 (2) Audience Au24se LP Power Cables to power the 2-Duo's
This above setup is a pretty competent analogue set up. I admit that I didn't spend much time at all with it mainly because there was never a point where it ever even resembled a contest.
My hope was it would sound different and/or good enough to make me want pursue analogue. That was not the case.
This digital set up below made it no contest. I am going to list my set up in event anyone wants to hear some of the best digital audio on the planet. I have been refining and trial and erroring my way to this set up for years and always tweaking for best performance so wanted to share with you guys.
This digital sounds nothing like digital that people write and speak about. Yes this digital set up is a lot more money so not really a fair fight but still the difference in audio quality was incredible so wanted to share. I don't understand why people even like analogue? I mean the above set up is about $18,000 in retail prices and it just don;t? Well at least I got to try it first hand and see for myself. Thanks : Bricasti Design M1 Special Edition DAC Bricasti Design built in M12 Ethernet Network Player
Symposium Acoustics Svelte Plus Isolation Platform (4) Isoacoustic Iso-pucks under the
Symposium
Platform *SGC SonicTransporter Gen1 - SSD Roon Server w/J1900 10w cpu WD My Cloud 12v 2TB NAS powered via Breeze Linear Pwr Supply Uptone Audio JS-2 (2-Rails) Linear Pwr Supply (4) Gent Audio Custom DC Cables (Canare Cable/Oyaide Plugs) The Linear Solution OCXO Ethernet Switch The Linear Solution
LPS-912
OCXO
Regulated Linear Power Supply AudioQuest Vodka RJ/E 1.0M Ethernet Cables
The Linear Solution Custom RJ/E 1.5M Ethernet Cable
Kubala-Sosna Elation 1.5M AC Power Cable Kubala-Sosna Research Emotion XLR 1.5M Interconnects
Furutech GTX (R) Outlets PS Audio Noise Harvesters (6)
Blue Circle Audio The Yalu Balula
* SGC is Small Green Computer: They make affordable and incredible sounding music servers that when pared to top flight power supplies, premium cables and SOTA DAC's perform incredible.
Yes I agree - I think a tube preamp - specifically a Herron phono I think would have helped a lot. Also, I think I probably had crappy records also.
My needle drop DSD Rips are to die for. Def not fair there either.
Sure they are new and no disrespect to Rega owners but not sure the Apheta 2 is the greatest cart either. I am sure the table is fine but a much better cart, Herron phono stage and some sweet, high quality records I am sure will provided much different results.
The one Dire Straights album I have sounds 1,000 times better than all others. The other ones I bought had all these great user reviews then I spun them and they sounded like crap. I am thinking what are those people thinking? Are all of their vinyl systems that better than mine or do what they think sounds good sound like crap to me? Not sure either way but when I try another set up which I will. I will take what I learned and apply it and make the above changes.
This time around wasn't too bad investment wise. I made about a $1000 bucks on all the gear listed above. A couple hundred here and there.
I am not in this to make money but certainly am not looking to lose it either. I need it to apply elsewhere in my rig
I make a point to try and buy right so if I don't like it I can move on to something else. Cover the shipping and PayPal fee;s and come away much smarter with a ham sandwich or two and that works for me.
Doesn't always work like that but try to make smart decisions because I know how I am. If it doesn't sound good then I am a flipping it.
If anyone is curious every item up there sold within about 12 hours. Buying well thought of stuff helps I guess so when you buy it right you can sell it right and it sell quickly.
"Sure they are new and no disrespect to Rega owners but not sure the Apheta 2 is the greatest cart either."
fsmithjack-I think final opinion on the cart is premature , because you DIDN’T hear it through a tube phonostage.
Doesn’t necessarily need to be through the Herron, but a proven model. Again, my subjective opinion. The Rega cart has plenty of positive reviews. It should, it was designed to match perfectly with the arm.
Honestly I don't think its as much about the Rega as to do with my Digital. I wish I could have you hear my digital so I could get an honest, objective 3rd party opinion. My digital just vaporized the Rega. There was nothing even remotely close but I know there much be more to analogue then my tries at it. I have purposely chose gear that I knew if it didn't compete I could move and get my money back.
What about going the other way. I legit high end table, tube phonostage and good quality cart. What do you think about this combo?
I can get a great deal on it but if this one doesn't work I won't get my money back. I have been offered an incredible deal on this table.
This above combo will cost me about $3,500 more then my Rega combo. I would start with the Hana cart until I get save for a better one. He actually send me the Hana cart mounted for free to try and if I don't like I send it back and he will send me a better one and not charge for it but he thinks I will really like it. I sold my phonostage and IC's so will need to work that out. For phonostage I was thinking this one below.
Manley Chinook SE phonostage
My dealer told me, promised me if I don't love it I can send it back so I would need to also buy the Chinook and some IC;s but thinking about it.
Your choice for another go around is a serious piece. Along with the Chinook, If it doesn't grab you, maybe your ears simply prefer digital perfection?
If I were getting a top notch table like that, I would up the cart budget if possible. Nice choices at the 1K price point.
'I wish I could have you hear my digital so I could get an honest, objective 3rd party opinion. My digital just vaporized the Rega."
All that matters is what you like. It's all subjective at this level.
@fsmithjack Well your situation certainly is interesting. I'm surprised the Rega didn't do better; you must (as you say) have one hell of a digital rig! I'm on the very opposite side of the spectrum - HUGE investment in 2 turntable rig(s), with almost nothing by comparison into digital. The most I stretched there was a Schiit Yggdrasil DAC (2.3K), Audiophilleo 2 w/ PP USB converter ($1K), and decent Audioquest USB cable ($500), driven from various audiophile players (Amarra, Audirvana) on my iMac. Good quality FLAC files, some high-res. And I had a similar end result here, but flipped: vinyl sounds as if it's from another world than digital.
As for your new proposal, I think the move to a tube phono stage is a great idea. Note the Chinook is technically a hybrid (FET stage for MC), and may or may not be enough performance to satisfy your very, very high requirements. Also my experience with hybrid stages like that (gain around say 64dB) is that they do best with cartridges around 0.5mV or higher output, and not so much the super low output MCs less than 0.3mV. I have a Herron VTPH-2A (hybrid) and it is absolutely fantastic with both Ortofon Cadenza Bronze (0.45mV) and Shelter Accord (0.5mV). I'd recommend a look at that stage too; it's wonderful and might just make your cut.
I'm much more skeptical that the Hana, while well reviewed, would meet your high standards. The carts I've heard or owned between 1K and low-2Ks can be extremely nice listens, but all were quite notably flawed compared to the higher tier of carts. At your level, this will matter.
@fsmithjack Frank, @mulveling makes many good points. I would agree that the Verdier is a solid table, the Herron would beat the Chinook and that the Hana might not be all that. Somebody just listed a Sota Cosmos IV for $4k, that is a fine option. I would have it shipped straight to Sota for repair/upgrade eval for $100 and go from there. Plenty of tonearm options based on your preferences and budget. Cartridge / tonearm matching will be important to get correct resonance freq. I would rather see you get a Dynavector, Ortofon or Lyra to go with a table of the quality discussed. Cheers, Spencer
I'd like to try to help, especially since you have named a turntable that I use as a nominee. One I consider an end of the road turntable.
Couple questions
Does your music room sit on suspended wood beams?
Who was responsible for your turntable setup from where - the stand points touch the floor, through to setting up the turntable, toonearm, cartridge, wiring and loading into the phonostage ?
I don’t own a P8 but have listened to it with Apheta 2 at a friends house , both of us are HEAVY patrons of some the best classical bands in the world and are very aware what real music sounds like . His Rega is very close to the sound we hear in fine halls . I think it would be as much as any sane person would ever need at least on acoustic music. And I never liked Rega’s !!
Guys - this is awesome info and I really appreciate it. I am going to give another analogue rig a shot for sure.
I got all my money back and actually made a couple bucks. Not much but the keys is no money lost and so I am going to take another crack at it for sure.
I’m at work now on my phone but will respond to all the folks that just send in comments.
i spoke to Josh at Walker Audio and my Magico S5 MK II are in so I’m so psyched - I ordered these at Thanksgiving and they are on the Doc ready to ship to me.
They cannot release them until my trade in’s - S5 originals have a tracking number and are in possession of shipping company. I can’t wait.
its kind of a process though. They are over 200 pounds a peice and the big wooded crates in my basement are another 60 or 70 pounds. Needless to say I can’t pick these things up. I’ve got a furniture moving company coming and bringing the crates up from my basement and then loading my speakers in them that are in my great room then they are bringing to their warehouse that has a loading dock then Walkers Audio’s shipper is picking them up there.
When my new ones land they bring them in my house and hopefully open and help me set up but we shall see I guess. They are so heavy but worth it. I love Magico and can’t wait to get the new MK II models.
As far as Rega and the last thread response.
I wanted to like Rega and am not a Rega badger. I actually bought the P8 and Apheta 2 Cart and Sutherland Engineering Duo phonostage that won Stereophile Componet of the Year, AudioQuest Fire Interconnects and 2 Audience AU24se LP Power Cables for the phonostage and AudioQuest 1000 conditioner to plug in the phonostage and Rega Neo PSU Audioquest Tornado AC Cable for the 1000 so this isn’t crappy stuff. I did all I could to get this Rega to sound good but it just didn’t at lease compared to my digital rig.
Hate to say it but honestly it sounded like half decent mid fi at best. No contest. It sounded nothing like real music never mind good Hi-Fi. Bummer because I really wanted to like it. Give Rega credit though got all my money back.
You didn’t let the Apheta 2 break in. Takes a fair amount of time. Having experience with Rega and other brands and also high end streaming, I think your conclusion is misguided.
I listened to an RP8 when I was auditioning. I thought the table was really good except I did not like the way it reproduced strings in an orchestra. Maybe it was the cartridge. It was just very plug and play for me. Not sure about using other cartridges other than REGA.
Misguided?? I mean you could say wrong or erroneous but misguided? How does that make sense?
I got good advice and followed directions?
Sure, I am sure if it was more broken in it would have been much better but how much better? 10 times better, 100 times better?
Maybe, I can tell you I just saw no night at the end of the tunnel?
It just gave me nothing to make me want to try to stick with it? I was just like - ya - no thanks.
Next, this hobby is great and fun and I love it but I have been at long enough to know what sounds good and what doesn't. My wife - total non audiophile said "why does it sound like that"? I knew it wasn't just me being picky..
It very well could have improved a great deal. I don't doubt that at all but it wasn't for me. I read over and over people say how great it sounds out of the box and how it just gets better and better.
Not my experience but that doesn't mean it isn't for others but it just wasn't for me. Honestly, if people like how that TT sounds then I recommend they buy a used 2nd hand Bricasti M1 with Ethernet server player for just a few grand more then tell me what you think.
I mean that set up cost quite a but of money. It was not cheap at all when you look at table, the cart, the dual phono's, the IC's, the PC's and the conditioner. Maybe they will prefer the Rega over the M1 but I doubt it, not if it sounds like it did in my room. Its a bummer too because I wanted to like the Rega and I like the brand and how they roll and what they stand but it just didn't work out for me.
I have been trying to decide if I should try another TT set up or maybe upgrade my pass amp and sim preamp to a
Luxman M-900u and C-900u. Selling off my analogue front end with the proceeds I am thinking of applying that doe with trading my amp/pre and changing to the Luxman flagship combo.
Part of me wants to try another table and the other part is telling me to try these Luxy twins.
I went to the Technics Sl1200g TT after owning 3 other turntables. When I had the other turntables I lost interest in playing vinyl as they didn’t even sound close to my Esoteric SACD Player or to my Sony HAPZ1ES Music Server. The Technics makes me want to play records. Is the sound better than my digital, in some ways yes and in other ways no. It certainly is competitive.
Yes that is what I wanted to be competitive or maybe not even but rather good or different enough to enjoy the difference but there was such a drop off that nothing about it was fun.
I mean its a pain in the neck verse clicking my iphone but still was so was hoping it would be enticing enough to want to do it. I just had no urge to listen to it at all :( was a bummer really as I really wanted to like it.
I love vinyl and play it exclusively. I’ve had an RP6 and Exact 2 cartridge for about six years and can’t Imagine switching. I owned a $12,000 turntable and sold it. I actually like the Rega better.
It really sounds like vinyl is just not for you for whatever reasons. We all hear differently, all like different things. I don’t think you’ll be happy with even an expensive vinyl set up. Why not just go with what you like and be happy. If you’re so enamored of your digital set up, go with it and enjoy it and stop wondering when you’ll reach Valhalla.
And stay off these damn audio sites- they’ll make you crazy!
Lol.. Great point and I agree but the reason is mainly because its the only thing in audio where what I read and hear does not equal my experience.
There is no way my digital is that good. Trust me - it is outstanding but it can’t be that much better because thousands and or maybe millions of people love it and what I have experienced can’t be what others love so much. Just can’t be.
I must be missing something somewhere.. That is why I bought a Rega thinking even if it is not the greatest it is plug and play so I can’t screw up and get a baseline understanding of what it is. I can say this that I have tried three different analogue set up’s and the Rega was the best but still not really that good? Ok I guess but I don’t understand??
Your right I should and may just stick with digital but honestly I really want to enjoy what Fremer and the other millions get to enjoy but for whatever reason is has alluded me?
Here are my 3 tries at analogue. Now the first set up was a real esoteric set up and the cart’s output impedance was so low the thought was that I needed to rewire my arm to VPI junction box so sold it and didn’t know how or want to do that and not even sure that was the problem and the 2nd go round I had 2 bad back to back carts (wish I tried a 3rd one but dumped it) the third go round just wasn’t really good. It was by the far the best but could not even begin to compete with my digital. Maybe the 4th will be a charm or maybe I will just buy a Luxman C-900u and M-900u combo and stick with digital?
fsmithjack That is why I bought a Rega thinking even if it is not the greatest it is plug and play so I can’t screw up and get a baseline understanding of what it is.
Vinyl is not plug and play especially at the higher end - resolving systems. Also a lower perceived TT/Tonearm/Cart will out perform a higher perceived one that is not set up well.
Vinyl generates its signal through vibrations and resonances. Likewise vibrations and resonances in the room will affect the signal. It's a set up Game that takes knowledge of ones room and experience at the high end.
The Room plays a major factor. Hear me out as I asked you a question last time and you did not answer me. At least I did not see the reply back if you did. I can't explain the anomaly with the one LP.
In looking at your Virtual system I notice the sloped ceilings that indicate your system is on a raised floor upstairs. Two levels up ? Suspended wood beams ?
In my personal experience All turntable rigs on suspended floors have challenges and constraints. The higher resolving gear more challenging. Everyone I know that has Vinyl upstairs has gone to great lengths to isolate the table better. If you are intent on keeping it upstairs and making it better - look at the shelf isolation.
Now as you have said you sold everything, so I would stick to digital. What good is a frustrating hobby? If you are stubborn and want to make it right - hang a shelf on a load bearing wall in that room to start. Place your turntable on it. Try this with a very modest rig to see if works. Good Luck
I've been following this thread with interest because I never got that vinyl rush either. I started with a VPI as well. September I upgraded to a Rega RP-10 with Apheta 2. It was a solid performer, interesting but lackluster. At 120 plays things changed rapidly. Now at 266 plays it's a real contender. But to back up a bit, two weeks ago I received the Herron phono stage. It's a perfect fit with the Rega combo. After years of jumping through hoops, this is finally the vinyl magic we crave. It works with the good, the bad and the ugly. Certainly the Rega is as close to plug and play as it gets. It did take me 8 tries to align the Apheta 2. It had to be *just so* or the presentation was boring, boring, boring with fits of sibilance or high amplitude breakup. It was a big help not worrying about azimuth and VTA during that ordeal and well worth the time. Having said that, a digital system that checked all the boxes and drew me into the music for more than 20 minutes might kill the ongoing commitment that analog absolutely requires. Analog is as much a hobby as it is a means to an end. May you find your motivation.
The Technics 1200G is a heck of a table. I can say after owning almost a year, it just keeps getting better and switching cartridges is easy. It a well thought out design and I have no desire to upgrade anymore.
Cartridge break-in is very real, but real-er for some brands & models than others. Ortofon Cadenza Bronze is an example that sounds great out of the box, right from hour #1 (and pairs great with the hybrid JFET/tube stages). Whereas Koetsu stones can take some mileage to get where they’re going (and tends to want an MC Step-Up Transformer to shine). You need at least 24 - 40 hours of playtime to see what’s up. Then there’s the issue of running in the phono stage itself. Ugh I hate components with long run-in times. I'm so impatient there, and what with the added difficulty of sending a reverse-RIAA signal via DAC/CD to the phono...
Definitely agree with the discussion on flooring and isolation. If I didn’t have a great rack and somewhat rigid flooring, my main table would be a SOTA (or SME, etc) for its built-in suspension system. I had a Clearaudio Innovation that struggled on an inadequate (not even that cheap) rack - the Rega would be just as bad if not worse in that context.
Great info... maybe I gave up too early. I don’t doubt that. As far as my room 1/2 room is over garage and other half over my basement. Yes maybe that contributed.
i had it on a Solid Tech Hybrid Rack with Silent Running Audio OHIO Class Isolation platform but still maybe these is somthing to my floors or something? I’ve never had a problem with anything before but who knows? My house was made in 88/89 so not too old or anything like that? Seems pretty sturdy but not sure. I had the cart mounted by OEM and didn’t mess with it with fear of messing it up?
They say Rega is great - that you set the tracking downforce and put in your rack and rock it but not sure but obviously something was wrong? I mean I’m a pretty smart person and I’m a long time Audiophile so if I can’t do it how come so many other have?
fsmithjack I had the cart mounted by OEM and didn’t mess with it with fear of messing it up?
wlutke It did take me 8 tries to align the Apheta 2.
8^0
IMO- its unfortunate you got rid of the gear so quick. You could have opened your phono stage and put the plug in for 47K. Run the cart full out no load.
more clues
As far as my room 1/2 room is over garage and other half over my basement.
Frank, 3 strikes but you are not out. The comments suggesting a wall shelf are a good idea. Once I solved similar issue by reinforcing the floor by putting a couple of 2x4 lengths of wood (cheap pine will do) in the basement or crawl space as joists directly under the audio rack. Just cut the length an extra inch long and then pound them into place with a rubber mallet from floor to ceiling. Problem solved for about ten bucks!
As for the choice of table, arm & cart, I am sorry to say, but all 3 choices were meh at best. Most of the recommendations I read on that gear is from folks who haven't owned better quality tables. They are frequently stepping stones of the inexperienced or those without the budget flexibility you have. The suggestions from the most analog experienced weren't your choices. You might need to accept the fact that great arbitrage opportunities to flip for quick profit won't be there on the best sonic options, as fewer will be available, and the market will be more stable.
I would suggest considering the rest of the system that is used by those with the tables /carts you are pondering. With the quality of your gear and your high standards, if rest isn't the same level, then why would you expect the analog setup to be? Ask yourself if you are considering a setup that discerning listeners end up with, not step up from. That is certainly achievable in your budget.
The other thing to do is make a greater effort to go listen to more top analog gear and be sure to hear some that really wow you. Then you will have a far better understanding of what is possible. If nothing wows you...you know the verdict. Given your quick trigger finger and nature toward quick judgement consider a used or demo cartridge, because it will already be broken in. That could make all the difference in your case. Cheers, Spencer
Not being there and hearing your set up, my comments are obviously speculation.
I say misguided precisely because of the break-in. Apheta 2 definitely takes > 50 hours and is also very sensitive to VTF. Sounds dynamic early on but anemic (thin) until break in. Varying with individual systems, this cartridge can also sound pretty bright or etched early on. However, this cartridge is certainly a different flavor than others and won’t ever sound lush like some brands.
Never heard a Sutherland but wouldn’t have recommended using a power conditioner with it (again, speculation).
I use a Lyra Delos, Accuphase AC3, and Apheta 2 on Well Tempered and Rega tables. Owned similar range Ortofon and Dynavectors. Still use a Lenco as well with vintage mono cartridges (the amazing GE VRII). Berning and Naim amplification. Harbeth and both Quads. Emia LR phono. Anyone telling you the Rega Planar 8 isn’t a great table is either misinformed or has different taste. The package you just sold is an amazing deal, maybe even a game changer at that price level. I won’t name certain brands but there are many more expensive tables that I feel don’t fit my taste at any level. Point is, take the many comments about this table with a grain of salt.
I am sorry I didn’t see your thread earlier. With great satisfaction with your digital rig and few lps, I would have suggested that you forget about vinyl. You would have spent a fortune on vinyl and these days, one can stream red book and high rez for $20/month. It also helps to have great record shops nearby. I have been quite lucky.
Finally, I have learned that many people don’t take to analog sound and vice versa, which is okay. This isn’t a contest of formats.
yes I probably should stick to digital and may but I’ve been offering terms on a Verdier Plantine Turntable w/Schick 12” Black/Black Arm and Ortofon Winfeld Cart and am considering it.
I will still need a phonostage and can’t find a used Herron and can’t afford a new one so thinking maybe a Allnic 1201 or Manley Chinook SE? I don’t care I don’t own a ton of albums. I work a ton and don’t have that much time and am fine buying one or two a week and building it up.
Here is what I want:
i want, I want to check my tracking force, clean my record of choice and dab clean my cart and then drop the needle on the record and sit back and be like - Yeah - that’s what I’m talking about right there!
Have it sound great. So many people do this and it has alluded me. Maybe I do it and then decide I’m too lazy and go back to digital but I have not had a analog set up that sounds decent compared to my digital. It’s a different sound or a taste thing. The set ups I’ve put together have been vastly inferior to my digital system in an overwhelmingly instantly recognized way. Nothing about it is unclear. It’s just no where near as good and I’d still like to get close if for no other reason then stubbornness. Do you think this set up has a chance? Thanks
Well I once owned an Ortofon Windfeld MC, and to me it sounded more like really really good digital with a touch of analogness, which may be your jam :) Very very good technical cartridge. I’m sure it’s well ahead of the Rega you had. The new Ti version (which I’ve not heard) should be even better. I’m now firmly of the Koetsu stone camp myself, since I love its sweet/romantic/technicolor midrange. But I also really like the top Shelter Harmony, which I think blends in both camps.
Chinook should be nice, and the Rogue Ares sounds good and can do well in a budget pinch (especially with Blue-label CineMags). But really call Keith Herron up and get a better reading on price lol.
Wish you had some high-end analog junkies in your local area. THAT is the way to catch the bug and learn from others’ experience hands-on! It only took one guy in my case, to get me hooked. "Thanks", Tom H...
Until I purchased my SL1200G, I was in the same boat as you. I had 3 other turntables before I bought the Technics, a lot of vinyl to play, but I would sit there and ask myself what is all the fuss about. The sound wasn't anything special. That changed when I purchased the Technics. I am using the same cartridge that I used for the other 3 tables (ZU-Denon DL103 that I purchased from wcfeil many years ago). The sound is so relaxing and really draws me into the music. I have no need to sit and nitpick the music, it just sounds right.
I hope you can get to that special place like I have. Best of luck.
@fsmithjack so thinking some more about your situation I think you can go a couple (or three ways)
Path I -- go all out for an "analog" as possible representation of state of the art LP playback. This would match the Verdier with the Schick and add a cartridge like a Miyajima, a Miyabi or a Koestsu -- something on that yang side of the spectrum -- think this sort of sound https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/the-murasakino-musique-analogue-sumile-mc-pho.... This path would maximize the contrast from digital and give you an alternative view into new types of material, especially classic 50s/60s jazz and classical
Path II -- try to make your analog rig "beat" your digital. This would match the Verdier with the AMG arm (or an SME, a Kuzma Four point or that sort of thing) and then with the Winfield or a Lyra or other SotA MC cart - think this sort of sound http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/kuzma-stabi-r-turntable/. This path would bring out the best in reissues or current material and allow you to tease out weaknesses in your digital rig -- but you may find yourself tending to draw negative comparisons with the digital and feel dissatisfied
There is of course a middle ground that captures the best of both but I think that that will take more $$ (and ideally involve a multi arm table setup)
Path III of course is to forget about analog at all and spend the $$ on your digital rig itself
Perhaps if you let us know what you are trying to get out of analog it would help you navigate -- the Verdier could be a good start in any of a number of dimensions but it would help to know where you are trying to get to
In case you are still considering the Platine/Schick/Winfield I checked the specs and the compliance(16) is a good match with the effective mass of the arm. Cheers, Spencer
Thought I'd add my two cents here. I just acquired a used RP8 turntable and I think it just has to be the most beautiful turntable I'd ever seen. They did change the looks significantly, so be it.
I changed the mat to a hard mat and the weight to an eBay Croatian counterweight and I also use a Chinese sourced record weight.
Between the hard mat and the Croatian made counterweight, I think the turntable really sings now. I need to spend much more time with it, though.
Just wanna get my perspective on the subject! I went from the RP8/Ania combo, with the FONOMC riaa in use for that combo, too now owning the magnificent, all sweet beautiful looking little monster table, the P8/Apheta 2 combo. My new phono stage just arrived a few days ago, and after some thoughts, demo`s and one weekend trying out the Lehmann Black Cube SE II against the Aria, there were no doubt in my mind, that the Aria just blew the BC out of the ballpark with this combo. So if one is looking for a high end TT, but are not ready or capable too by the most crazy priced TT`s out there, you will get not only a killer table/cart, that will get others brand in that price category ashamed, you will also get very very close to vinyl/analog nirvana, without breaking the bank. I cannot think of another TT in that price range, that even come close too this one? Some say the new P8 is better than the previous RP10, but you have too try that comparison out for yourself? I once heard the P9/Apheta 1, with the Rega IOS phono stage, and as i remember it, this new combo (P8/Apheta) is at least as good as what i remember the P9/Apheta 1 was? Perhaps the IOS was responsible for this? But who cares? If you like the looks and sound/performance of this combo, just go ahead and spend your hard earned money, and then forget about other peoples opinions, lean back and enjoy the music we all love so much. As for now: I need to put a record on..!!
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