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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
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
7,180 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. 
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
Careful Joe, you will have all the buying used cart haters pouring vitriol on your head saying things like that!

Lol.

Seriously I was considering trying a Soundsmith MI cart out on my Spacedeck so please let me know how it goes!
tzh21y
1,654 posts
 
"I didn't tape it, it just sits there without the hole touching the spindle."

Thanks Inna!  I will try that.
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