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
I asked Larry about changing tonearms and tweaking such as platter may and he was firmly against both, if I correctly recall.  He believes in synergy. 

That being said, the Boston audio May was an improvement. 

I dont see the The kiseki on the hwdsound website anymore either. Wonder what he’d recommend as an alternative? 
Why would anyone buy a TT with rubber band when they can have a direct drive? 
Why would anyone buy a TT with rubber band when they can have a direct drive?
I cover both bases but there are way too many belt drives out there to be quite so disparaging about them.
I listened to a friends new Rega P8 with Aria cartridge for some time couple of weeks ago .One hell of a nice TT , excellent base and the clarity Rega is noted for plus a slight bit of warmth ,with quartz power supply sounded flawless to me .