Turntable Troubles - ProJect X2B vs Rega 6 w Kiseki Cartridge
I am investing in my first critical listening room. As a newbie i know my choice of TT may be remedial but it is a good entry point for me. My vendor is telling me to consider a Pro-Ject x 2B due to its new technology vs a Rega 6 w an upgraded Kiseki Blue cartridge. Do any of you all have proper advice for me? Don't want to make my first grand purchase go to waste. It is being paired with a McIntosh 2500c Pre-amp, Mcintosh MC462 amp and Sonus Faber Sonetto 3s. Any advice will be appreciated as my turntable choice is the last element. Thanks!
I am not a fan of any TT with an arm allowing only fixed cartridges.
I suggest you look for one with a removable headshell. Initial cartridge also factory aligned.
They work, factory aligned out of the box, great for a newbie, but after the initial stylus is worn (elliptical included typically, 250 hours average)
You will need to mount and realign a new cartridge, advanced stylus shape recommended. Removable headshell is far easier than fixed arm, and allows you to have a few alternate cartridges, perhaps elliptical, advanced shape, mono...
considering you are just getting started, familiarize yourself this concise explanation by Soundsmith
Not meant to scare you, or anyone starting out, just to encourage everyone to learn, bit by bit, and acquire the simple tools and skills to change/align your cartridges after the first one is worn, (typically elliptical, avg. 250 hours play time.
If you get hooked on vinyl, which I suspect is a high probability:
$11. FLAT MIRROR to View Azimuth Reflection 4” X 6” X 3MM. Thickness of LP, place under the stylus, view from front, any deviation from straight will be reflected ‘opposite’.
$13. OVERSIZED EYEGLASS CLOTHS, Dust LP ONLY IF Needed (13 pack). I DO NOT use a brush anymore. Place LP on platter, just lay cloth on, spin platter by hand while very lightly pulling cloth off the edge to remove surface dust, not push anything down into the grooves.
$31. Finally, Removable Headshell with Azimuth Adjustment
You adjust it ONCE for your arm’s fitting which may be ’off’. Then, each time you use that headshell in that arm: before you tighten the headshell into the arm, there is very minor movement possible, you snug it up, double check it’s azimuth with the mirror, fully tighten
Some arms, like the Micro Seiki 505 have an adjustment of the fitting IN the arm, a very nice feature. https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649871273-micro-seiki-ma505-tonearm-including-base/images/3917430/ I installed two of these, standard and long on a Luxman TT for a friend. Magnificent engineering
This one has unique base, others a simple hole and bolt below.
Have you heard that setup? If it sounds good to you, that's great, but likely you can find a combination of a Rega with a Rega cart for a LOT less.
That's an odd pairing-a $2500 MC cartridge on a $1900 table w an arm that DOESN"T have adjustments to take advantage of it.
If you decide on a Rega, you're best bet is usung a Rega MC cartidge with it. Using a non Rega cartridge defeats the Rega concept of simplicity and ease of use.
Unless that dealer is selling it for a comparable price to this(which is highly unlikely)I would pass.
all great advice, thanks so much! Now I am thinking of upping my budget for a TT. Are there any brands or specific products you feel I should consider?
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