McIntosh MT5 vs Rega 8 or 10

@smatsui

Yes, trying to stretch my budget to the P10. It’s  just a big jump (with the aphelion cartridge) from the 8. What cartridge and phonostage are you using with the 10?

For some unknown reason, McIntosh is taking extreme amounts of time regarding repairs, orders, etc...

As stated before, McIntosh tables are made by Clear Audio. Their turntables mainly appeal those who have McIntosh systems and want to keep the aesthetic. McIntosh makes an electronic sign that display's 'McIntosh' in green and an electronic clock that displays the time in green. Both are above a thousand dollars. And if people have the expendable cash flow to purchase McIntosh equipment for these aesthetic reasons, that's fine but if you're on a budget, I'd seriously consider something comparable to or even better than, for less money.

So then that leaves you with the Rega. I personally am not a fan of Rega's laminated foam core construction. I also had a friend that ordered the P3 and he kept getting a ground hum from the tonearm. He kept taking it back to the dealer until they exchanged the Rega for a Clear Audio. My thought is that you're not likely going to have a problem with the P8 or P10. If you do decide on the Rega, I'd consider installing an Origin Live tonearm in place of the Rega tonearm. I'm guessing that you could order the Rega table without a tonearm but I might be wrong about that.

Thanks for the info My dealer likes Clear Audio, so I am just starting to look at them as well. Which Clear Audio model do you like, or at least compares to the McIntosh TT5? I believe their Performance DC air and DC wood lines compare favorably to Rega’s?

" I believe their Performance DC air and DC wood lines compare favorably to Rega’s?"

Arm choice will probably bump the price up quick.

The Performance with the linear TT5 arm looks impressive. Non air so no compressor box/line fuss. 

@bwguy, I'm using the Apheta 3 MC cartridge on my P10.  My phono stage is a Luxman EQ-500.  I had an Apheta 2 on my RP10.  When I upgraded to the P10 I went with the Apheta 3.   I think the "3" quite a bit better than the "2".  Many of the rave reviews of the P10 used the Apheta 3.  I quite happy with the P10/Apheta 3 with no desire to change. Put the money you save by not buying the Aphelion into the best phono stage that you can afford.