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 asked TT Labs if they would mount a cartridge on one of their TT sold with removable headshells with no cartridge. They do, but not until spring, busy with holiday work now. They told me about their pre-mounted cartridges for sale search their site for ’mounted cartridge’
nothing exotic, but this is a very in-expensive way to start with a Shibata tip rather than a ver expensive elliptical tip
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"Rega 6 w an upgraded Kiseki Blue" 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. Rega - Planar 6 Turntable (Ania) - Music Direct Package deal that's pretty much plug and play. Just set tracking force and antiskate. You don't need all the above recommendations for the Rega. Just a tracking force gauge. The Rega will be a smart choice for a first table- setup within 10 minutes without any real fuss. Kiseki Blue is more appropriate for a non Rega table-$3K+. IMO When you get into upper level tables/carts, using an outboard phono stage, and not the internal as you are doing is the next step.
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I put this together in another discussion. 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: .............................................
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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 https://www.sound-smith.com/articles/stylus-shape-information
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