2. analog
  3. 160576-151444

Turntable Upgrade question..

Hey, 

I've spent some time upgrading my system the past few weeks and I'm ready to look at a turntable upgrade.  I bought a Rega planar 1 as my first turntable and its served its purpose thus far, but I'm ready to get one that matches my current system.  Currently I'm running turntable--> Rega Phono MM Mk3--> Schiit Freya+ preamp--> Schiit Aegir--> Wharfedale Lintons.  

My prior setup wasn't great so I was happy with planar 1 for awhile, but with this better system I think I can get more out if I get a better turntable.  I like Rega and am leaning towards sticking with them, but would consider other models if anyone has any good recommendations.

I'd like to stay within $500-$600 so looking for something for a good value on the used market.  I've been looking at a used newer model RP3 with an elys2 cartridge or an RP25 from '99. Both are listed at the same price.  My question is would it be better to go with the newer RP3 that has an Elys2 cartridge or the P25? Reviews I've read seem to be in favor of the P25 vs the P3 but these are older reviews before the newer P3 was out.  
hmaudio

Showing 1 response by simao

simao's avatar
simao
1,855 posts
 
Just to check it out, I scored a good used RP3/elys2/b330 combo in glossy white, thinking it might be good for my upstairs family system. (upstairs family meaning the family room where my family and I attend to hang out a lot, not that I have an upstairs family as opposed to a downstairs family). What I hadnt  anticipated was the output of the Elys2: 7.2mV! Wow! My Benz micro ace is 2.0 and my Hana SH is 2.5.


Plus my LFD phono preamp is solder bridged to its MC gain of 53 db. Needless to say on the downstairs system that was a bit of an overkill. however, with my Schitt Mani adjustable gain phono stage upstairs, the sound was tamed enough.

My main system turntable is a VPI HW-19 Mark 4 with a Jelco 750 EB and the Hana SH. A significantly higher investment than the Rega, but the latter performed superbly all things considered.
More to discover