Rega RP8 or Technics SL1200G

I'll bite. Disagree.

Speed stability is one thing, the platter pad and its ability to control resonance in the LP as the groove is tracked is another.

That variable has to be eliminated (same platter pad on each machine being auditioned) before you can definitively say one is more 'explosive' than another.

^^Stabi Reference 2.

Have you listened to an RP 8 in controlled circumstances, and if so, how did it fall short? That would seem to be of help to the OP.

From your post I can only assume that the Linn LP12 is not a well regarded vintage machine, as “...all the well-regarded vintage machines.......have powerful drive motors.” I tend to differ on that point finding the Linn to be a well regarded vintage machine with a different design brief.

Since it was designed as a specialist product, rather than for cueing in radio stations, a less powerful motor was used as it produces less vibration than a high torque motor. What vibration is left is mitigated by the belt rather than being directly transmitted to the platter by an idler or direct drive. The trade off is less secure speed accuracy and the benefit is a lower noise floor. Those are intentional design briefs. And though you may find the resulting sound to be inferior, it seems very hard to think that saying that the Linn is not well regarded can only be the result of turning a blind eye to the historical significance and longevity of the product.

For a second I thought that you might not consider it vintage due to the age. But the SP10 came out in ‘70 and the Linn in ‘72.

Happy holidays and all the best,

Likewise!

Its been a while since hearing the Rega in a customer's home. So I can't say that I've compared them. But I have compared the Technics to other tables such as the Kuzma, which is considerably more upscale than the Rega- if it were between the Kuzma and the Rega, I'd take the Kuzma in a heartbeat. The thing is, the Technics is able to keep up with the Kuzma (which is an excellent machine). The simple fact is, Technics did their homework and so it gives turntables costing a lot more a run for the money. IMO, most high end audio turntable manufacturers should be really worried about Technics right now.

OK...

Rega recognizes that coupling between the base of the arm and the platter bearing is important. Given that, they seem to be trying to save weight in the assembly, which would  seem to fly in the face of the rigidity aspect. IOW the Technics is **more** rigid in this regard (employing a plinth and a case subchassis) and also more dead (employing 4 different damping schemes in the plinth/base assembly).

A powerful drive is an important aspect of any turntable. In this regard you can see that all the well-regarded vintage machines (SP-10, Lenco, Garrard 301, Empire 208) have powerful drive motors. This makes a difference when dealing with needle drops and bass tracks- the speed stability is greater; the improved speed stability is not audible as pitch but you can hear it in terms of image stability. Its not enough to have a massive platter. The Technics has a decent platter (which is also damped) and a much more powerful drive then the PR-8.

The tone arm of course can't be overlooked. The Technics arm, while looking the part of its earlier version, has improved bearings and arm materials, as well as the benefit of improved machining. You can adjust the VTA on the fly. Its hard to tell about the RP-8, but IIRC its does not have a VTA adjustment. For this reason your cartridge selection is limited.

I found the sound of the Technics rather clanky which doesn’t work for me. Is it the arm? I’m no material scientist, couldn’t tell you. Maybe the G is better in this regard.

@viridian The SL-1200G is a ground-up new design, and should only be compared to older SL-1200s by looks only. In terms of sound it is considerably more neutral- it has better vibration damping, tighter speed regulation and improved materials in the tone arm.

Put another way, I'm not certain I'd recommend the older SL-1200s over a Rega, but with the new one its a no-brainer.

The Technics is hands down the winner. Its more speed stable and overall more dead, IOW more resistant to vibration.

Its arm is the weak link, but its better than the Rega am. which is even more of a weak link on the Rega IMO/IME. The Technics arm is far more adjustable. Its possible to replace the arm with other arms, we've installed a Triplanar 12" on it with fabulous results.