Rega P10 with Apheta 3


My local dealer has the Rega P10 with Apheta 3 cart open box (came in wrong color, so never used) for $5,100, retail $7,895. I was not looking for a new TT… but…

I love the look and feel of the P10, form factor is perfect, reviews are glowing and the price looks fantastic. However, I wasn’t looking to spend that money right now. 
My current system:

Pro-ject 1Xpression carbon classic with Hana ML cart

Rega Aria phono stage

Rogue RP-1 pre with NOS Telefunkon medical, Siemens nickel plate & Brimar CV4003 NOS tubes (rolling)

LSA Warp 1 amp

KEF R11 speakers

Rythmic F12SE sub

Aurender N150 streamer

Chord Qutest DAC

My question is would the P10 fit with my system… would it be overkill… is it worth the investment?
I am actually hoping you can talk me out of it! Thanks!
 

 

128x128signaforce

I would jump on it at that price.

I demoed several tables costing more than my P10/Aphelion 2 combo and found nothing to make me move on from the P10.  

I think the only point of improvement or possible change to the P10 might be the cartridge. Some people love Rega cartridges.  Some people hate them.  I’m in between. I also have a Lyra Delos, Accuphase AC-2, Apheta 2, and others.  

@signaforce 

I think @tablejockey is referring to a turntable with more flexibility: ability to change out tonearms easily, which requires more adjustments.  Rega is great if you just want a plug and play, but if you get serious about vinyl, you’ll eventually want a turntable that fits the suspension/mass paradigm of vinyl playback…but then you are talking about getting your own cartridges and tonearms, and all the adjustments that come with that.  

You got a beautiful system. There is always room for improvement when it comes to vinyl playback due to its inherent limitations. Each addition we hope will minimize these error and bring us closer to the real thing. Its tricky pulling this thing without the kitchen pass. Can you afford this table and a pair of diamond ear rings or a diamond bracelet? 🤣 Who knows that might get you the kitchen pass for much longer duration so that you can add a better cartridge or even a phono stage. 😆

@signaforce   Tell your wife about the $20,000 TT you would like.  Suddenly you're being soooo reasonable buying the P10.  🤣   I own the P8 with the Apheta-3 cartridge and love it.  You won't be stretching the truth when you explain that missing this deal will mean thousands more in the future.  You can't take it with you.

I own the P10 though I have the Aphelion 2 cartridge. I love love love the form factor. It's what sold me on this TT. And I have mine mounted to my 165 year old factory loft 18" brick wall using the Rega wall mount unique to the P10.

A couple of bugaboos - my Aphelion went dead on the left channel after only 20hrs.  RegaUS distributor handled it well and very quickly. But still, just 20 hrs. on an up-charge cart?  

Second, the P10 PSU does not turn off. It's been an issue since the day I received my TT (so also as it left the assembly plant.). The ON/OFF switch sticks either in the on or off position. A call to Rega distributor/support was immediately answered with, "Yeah, that tends to happen.  We suggest you gently tap the PSU case with a light hammer or mallet or piece of wood. And if that doesn't work then just loosen the rear torx screws holding the case cover to the unit."  I kid you not.  For around $11,000 they want me to take a light hammer/mallet/piece of wood to my PSU.  The starter on my 1968 Chevy Impalas' starter?  O.K.  I get that. But not on the PSU.  

Lastly, the cueing drop does not drop perfectly vertical. It tend to drift ever so slightly to the inside just a groove of two.  I've adjusted my cuing technique. But, again, really? with a close to $11,000 piece of equipment. 

But absolutely love the look and form factor. Wall mount to the brick is SOLID.