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Nottingham Spacedeck vs Rega Planar 8 vs Technics SL1200G

Hey Everyone,

An analogue newbie needs your advice.

Firstly I am not looking for any TT recommendations other than these 3.

My system is Devore O96, and the amplification would be either Lyngdorf 3400/Coincident Frankenstein combo or a Shindo pre/amp combo (forthcoming). The phono stage is TBD.

The sound I like is rich, full-bodied, with a good bass (I love percussion, and the double-bass instrument and  Mingus is my fav jazz artist). I am very sensitive to even a hint of brightness. I don't care about the typical audiophile presentation -- gobs of detail and soundstage but no soul.

My music of choice is jazz, vocals and small-scale instrumentals. No rock, no pop, no western classical.

Would love your thoughts on these 3 choices.

Since I am a newbie, easy setup is big win, which might tilt me towards the Rega or Technics, but with Nottingham I have a great dealer support that I would completely miss out on if I went with Technics (no Technics dealer in a 5000 mile radius).

I used to own a Rega RP6, so am familiar with Rega sound, and like it. But my RP6 was bested by my DAC (AMR DP-777) so sold it a few years ago. So I want a TT that will compete with any sub-10000$ DAC.

Looking forward to your thoughts that will help me scratch my analog itch.


essrand

Showing 8 responses by stereo5

stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,560 posts
 
I have a Technics SL1200G turntable and absolutely love it.  I play more vinyl now than when I had a VPI Prime.  It is easy to set up, does not require constant fiddling and just sounds like music.
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,560 posts
 
@atmasphere ………………………………..

In your opinion, what mat would you use on the Technics SL1200G?
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,560 posts
 
Do you think the alloy mat will take away the benefit of having the brass in the SL1200 G platter?
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,560 posts
 
I’m not putting a $700.00 Mat on a 4K turntable!  I already put in an inquiry to an Oracle dealer on their mat which is in the $200.00 range. I am willing to bet that both of those mats will not be a night and day difference from the stock mat.  My Cartridge was only 600.00!  At 200.00 I am willing to take a chance, at 700.00, forget about it.    My platter already has the brass on it and I question what a  expensive metal mat may do to the sound.  
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,560 posts
 
@chakster...……….

I truly appreciate the info you have given me, but as my Technics sounds fine (to me) as is, 300-450 is still way too much for a record mat.  I would think that money would be better used to get a better cartridge.  I use a ZU modified DL103 which was around 550.00 when I purchased new.  I am willing to spend up to 200 on a record mat and am waiting to hear from the dealer that sold me the Technics as he also sells Oracle.  Thank you again for the information, you are one of the most knowledgeable people regarding turntables I have ever come across.  The information you have freely given is invaluable.

My next purchase will probably be a Dynavector 20X2L later on this year.  As for the record mat, if I can purchase the Oracle in the 200.00 range, I will probably go for it.  Do you know how it compares to the Origin mat?
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,560 posts
 
On Ralph's recommendation, in whose ears I trust, I ordered the Oracle record mat today from Adirondack Audio.  As soon as they receive it from Oracle, they will ship to me.  Should take 10 business days or so.  I will report back on my findings after I have had time to play with it.
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,560 posts
 
So, I received the Oracle mat and the Project record weight for my Technics SL1200G.  I found that the whole presentation is enhanced with the bass being much more solid.  My question to Ralph or others, should I remove the sticky backing on the underside of mat and stick to my platter or leave the covering on?  I'm afraid if I stick the mat down, I won't be able to easily remove it if I need to remove the platter.  What do you guys and girls think?
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,560 posts
 
Thanks.  I thought the same thing. I doubt the mat will slip as it is quite a tight fit over the spindle.  I am going to leave it as is as it sounds so good.  That HRS weight must have been Uber expensive. 
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