Rega P25, would it sound better than my CDP?

Better? Not really. With the Rega music will sound sluggish and percussion instruments will not sound crisp and fast. Give it a test: buy a Fania All Stars virgin vinyl limited edition salsa LP (from eBay) and then get the same in CD format. Compare...

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Never in my life have I heard any Rega deck described as such. Years ago I had a P25 and that is not the way I heard it at all.

I am sometimes accused of being *laconic* in my responses. Yet when I give a full explanation and direction someone jumps with an out of place comment. Give it a test: buy a Fania All Stars virgin vinyl limited edition salsa LP (from eBay) and then get the same in CD format. Compare...and let the present be the judge--not the past.

Remember, audio grade CD players have perfect pitch. The Regas don't.

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Rega bashing? Nah...Get Ray Barreto's "Acid" on Fania virgin vinyl LP and CD versions--and find out for yourself. Don't be afraid! "Acid" is a Fania crossover album so you might be able to take it better than *hardcore* salsa. The recording is good enough to do critical comparisons between power cords and Lak can verify this fact. He also liked the album (he's never heard hardcore Barreto...we'll leave it there).

I'd rather listen to CD on my Dan Wright modded belt drive transport than LP on a lesser belt drive. In my system vinyl and CD sound as close to each other as possible. I've achieved this goal by compensating the weaknesses of each format. That will get them closer to the performance.

With psychic power and primal intensity,

Basically, the only thing Digital has over Vinyl is a wider soundstgae and more resolution to detail. Highhats are more pronounced as well as little tiny nuances that I just dont hear with Vinyl.

Dude you also need to get that Ray Barreto album. Get the virgin vinyl LP and CD versions and then report back. At this time what you're hearing is what I despectively call 'analog' sound. The Benz don't have reputation for being good trackers either. So, you are using a deck that lacks proper speed/rotational stability and a poor tracker. Great combo...

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One more thing from anybody who knows. The Michell Tecnodec, would this be a lateral move for me or would there be improvemnt over the P25 (same unmodded arm -RB600)?

Yes, it would be a lateral move. Main reason is *stylus drag*.

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If you get the virgin vinyl LP and CD I suggested you'll understand. A good listen is worth a thousand words.

Stylus drag is an instantaneous slow down of the turntable caused by tracking the record grooves. It is very noticeable with fast percussion instruments and loud, complex orchestral passages.

A properly operating turntable should not be affected by this to any great extent. However, there is this tendency to make vinyl sound 'different' from CD and when you go to a store you should bring salsa and/or complex orchestral records and watch the salesman get nervous...

The Nottingham looks good. Look at the belt--see how rubbery it is. Compare that with the Teres' stiff and rigid belt. They are very different approaches. Why is that? Which is better?

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