Where to go next with the turntable


I've been a long time owner of a Rega P7, and I feel like investigating an upgrade, I'm ot sure if I want to stick with Rega (P8 or P10) or try something else? Currently using a Soundsmith Zephyr MK III cart and Hegel V10 phono stage,

What I have now sounds good, but some more bass/warmth would be welcome. 

traudio

Showing 1 response by verdantaudio

This is tough.  I have owned Rega, Thorens, Linn, ProJect, AVM, VPI, Gold Note and SME tables.  My experience is that low mass tables like Rega are always going to leave a smidge to be desired in terms of bass.  Moving up may not give your more of what you are looking for.  

Linn certainly requires maintenance.  Thorens requires less tweaking but is not immune.  I feel the same way about VPI arms as you.  The least amount of maintenance I have seen on a table is SME.  They are very much set it and forget it.  You might find a Model 6 or 12 will be low maintenance and deliver what you want in terms of bottom end.  Big issue is the price as they are not inexpensive.  Depending on the arm these are $8k to $13.9K options.  

Gold Note and AVM are less expensive and higher mass alternatives.  They could be interesting choices.  

Full disclosure, I am a Thorens, Gold Note, AVM and SME dealer.