2. analog
  3. 142030-1590

Nottingham Spacedeck vs Rega Planar 8 vs Technics SL1200G

Hey Everyone,

An analogue newbie needs your advice.

Firstly I am not looking for any TT recommendations other than these 3.

My system is Devore O96, and the amplification would be either Lyngdorf 3400/Coincident Frankenstein combo or a Shindo pre/amp combo (forthcoming). The phono stage is TBD.

The sound I like is rich, full-bodied, with a good bass (I love percussion, and the double-bass instrument and  Mingus is my fav jazz artist). I am very sensitive to even a hint of brightness. I don't care about the typical audiophile presentation -- gobs of detail and soundstage but no soul.

My music of choice is jazz, vocals and small-scale instrumentals. No rock, no pop, no western classical.

Would love your thoughts on these 3 choices.

Since I am a newbie, easy setup is big win, which might tilt me towards the Rega or Technics, but with Nottingham I have a great dealer support that I would completely miss out on if I went with Technics (no Technics dealer in a 5000 mile radius).

I used to own a Rega RP6, so am familiar with Rega sound, and like it. But my RP6 was bested by my DAC (AMR DP-777) so sold it a few years ago. So I want a TT that will compete with any sub-10000$ DAC.

Looking forward to your thoughts that will help me scratch my analog itch.


essrand
inna
7,136 posts
 
I didn't tape it, it just sits there without the hole touching the spindle.
jdodmead
257 posts
 
Looks like they are still available

http://www.sakurasystems.com/home.html
joegator81
108 posts
 
I have a space 294 table and arm combo. I purchased used from Larry at Hollywood Sound. I added the Boston Audio May and the Phoenix falcon motor controller. Definite improvement with the mat, slight improvement with the Phoenix but I don’t think my power was that bad to begin with. 

Its a great table. The arm takes some getting used to and if it’s been a while I have to relearn how to make adjustments. It’s really not that hard though. 

The sound is very musical, organic. As of now I’m using a low compliance Clearaudio Concept MC v1 cart held over from my previous concept turntable. I think this table could easily handle a much better cart and I’m looking to upgrade. Larry recommended the kiseki purple heart or blue NS at the time I purchased the table. 

Good luck on your search. 
inna
7,136 posts
 
Yeah, Larry only likes low output MCs, at least he says so. In any case, if you put $3000 cartridge you better have $5000 -$6000 phono stage. He is nice to talk to otherwise. 
joegator81
108 posts
 
I think he was surprised the Concept Mc cart sounded as good as it did on the 294. I just bought a pre owned Soundsmith zephyr mimc Star here on agon. I’m eager to hear what it can do on this table. I don’t doubt that the 294 will give me an honest picture of the differences between the carts. 
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