McIntosh MT5 vs Rega 8 or 10


Does anyone have thoughts on these turntables?  I love the green platter of the McIntosh, but looking for overall best sound.  I do have McIntosh mono amps but my dealer is telling me there is a year and a half wait for the MT5.

128x128bwguy

In addition to my P10, I also have a much more expensive TT, a Linn LP12 upgraded in December 2022 to the latest TOTL LP12 with Radikal 2 power supply and the latest DC motor, Karousel bearing, Ekos SE arm, and Keel subchassis. I think the P10 is the way to go in the Rega line up. The Rega engineers made significant improvements to the P10 over the P8. Also I would get the Apheta 3 MC cartridge over the Exact 2. The P10 is good enough to be an end game turntable for most audiophiles in my opinion.

Here’s an interesting video comparing the P8 and P10 and why this speaker designer/engineer chose the P10 over the P8 to demo his speakers to potential customers wanting to hear his speakers.

 

@bwguy That’s the thing about Clear Audio, you can spend as much as you want. I will say that if you’re around the entry level, upgrading the tonearm is a good idea if it’s financially feasible. The table matters too but the primary issues concerning the table is consistent and precise speed and an isolated motor so that it won’t create vibrations. I’ve never heard of any of those issues concerning any Clear Audio table. It would help to have an external motor, which I attribute to why I only hear good things about VPI. Lastly, you won’t need a record mat with the Clear Audio.

Thanks everyone for your help.  I decided to go with A Clear Audio Performance table.  I got a great deal on a lightly used titanium cartridge.  Can’t wait to get it!

Nice choice-what finish/arm?

Titanium @ a great deal would be the only way I could afford it=$11K MSRP.

Enjoy it with only good pressings!