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Turntable Help

Hello,

I'm about to dive into the audio world (but with a teacher's salary), and was wondering if you could help me out. I had been looking at the Rega RP1 with the Performance Pack as a somewhat affordable option for my first ever turntable, but I recently realized that there is now the Planar 1 which replaced the RP1. The Planar 1 is as expensive as the RP1 w/P2 but doesn't have as good of a cartridge (so the interweb tells me). Should I buy the RP1 with performance pack or the new Planar 1 without one?

OR should I buy the new Planar 1 WITH a performance pack (upwards of $670 total as far as I can tell) or a Planar 2? This would be really stretching the budget but somewhat doable.

Also, what online store is the best for buying a Rega?

Thanks for your help.
jaydough76

Showing 1 response by sbank

sbank's avatar
sbank
3,382 posts
 
Guys, I realize the budget constraints of OP, but advice here sets the bar very low. Adjustable VTA, not just once for the arm, but for every different thickness of LP is something you want to get the most out of your records. I'm sure those who don't adjust it due to limited equipment, laziness or indifference will chime in and say I'm being anal, but VTA adjustment is a big deal and if you can't hear it, then your system isn't performing at a high level. 
Even on a modest budget, OP will benefit as he upgrades speakers, amps, etc. years down the road, if he can adjust VTA easily. Perhaps a Pete Riggle device under the Rega arm will be a wise investment...or consider a better sounding table that accounts for it, like a modded SL1200. Cheers,
Spencer
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