Rega P9 or VPI Classic1 - Which would you choose??

The VPI Classic 1 was the base model for that platform. Mine is 10 years old. 

Had a modded P5 before that. 

If you want to stick with the Rega philosophy, consider  a P8/10. The "newer" Rega design is much ""better than the old P9. Rega will be much less hassle compared to the VPI. 

Subjectively, I find the performance of VPI Classic  more convincing. The Classic 1 is like what the Rega P5 was. An entry into the next level of  a performance.

Once setup properly, VPI will be fine, Rega with a Rega cart is ultimate no hassle table.

Whatever you decide, get the best phonostage you can afford to really hear what it can do.

Be sure to check out what kind of tonearm is on the VPI. I have a Classic II and was unaware that it comes/came with a "Uni-pivot" tone arm. A uni-pivot is like a small nail sticking up from the tonearm base. You place the tonearm cup over the nail which is the sole support. This system works well in a child-free environment. This was all new to me as I was used to "Gimballed" arms that securely hold everything in place. The Classic II makes nice music and I don’t have a problem with the uni-pivot but you might.

FWIW: I formerly owned a Music Hall (7.1 ?). I was installing a new cartridge and broke a lead. I contacted MH who said they could not help me rewire the tonearm.

@billandsol - I’m Not a fan of Rega - so out of the two I would go with the VPI, but even that has some design deficiencies, despite the +ve feedback from owners.

My preference (if I were buying) is Music Hall - they are very well designed and do not suffer from the design deficiencies of the other two.

The MMF 9.3 is in the same snack bracket

mmf-9.3 turntable with music hall’s unique triple plinth construction (musichallaudio.com)

THE Music hall MMF 9.3 offerS the following design features

• music hall’s unique triple plinth construction
• one-piece full carbon fiber tonearm
• fully adjustable VTA, azimuth, and dampened arm lift mechanism
• counterweight’s center of gravity is level with the stylus tip, is decoupled from the arm, and acts as a resonance damper
• completely isolated/decoupled DC motor with 33 1⁄3 and 45 rpm speed controls located in the front left corner of the turntable, thus canceling any potential vibration from the motor/belt to the cartridge
• motor sits on its own resonance damping puck
• optional Goldring Eroica LX low-output moving-coil cartridge with Gyger II line contact stylus ($795 value)
• the cartridge supplied is properly aligned and mounted
• inverted ceramic main bearing for super quiet, fluid operation
• non resonant, 1” thick acrylic platter
• soft felt platter mat
• high quality gold RCA connectors and detachable phono cable
• adjustable tip toe feet with anti scratch cups
• low noise fully manual belt drive design
• built-in round spirit level for proper leveling
• dust cover and 45 rpm adaptor included

The mmf 11.3 is even nicer, but a little more expensive

Hope that helps - Steve

I have a rega planar 25, so upgrading. Most people say the vpi’s are fuller sounding.

thoughts?

There's a Classic 1 here for $1700. Are you upgrading or starting off?