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TT Recommendation- Rega 2, Pro-ject Xpression3 or?

I'm getting back into vinyl and on the hunt for a good turntable with a budget of approx $500. A friend recommended a new Pro-ject Xpression 3 which I can get for $550 (carbon tonearm and acrylic platter). A local hifi re-seller has a nice second hand Rega Planar 2 w/ Ortofon OMB 5E offered for $400.

The advantage of a new TT is no tinkering around with adjustments, plug and play. The downside of a second hand TT is the concern of a bad cartridge, belt, bearing and so on. I am technically inclined and have the capacity to preform repairs and adjustments if necessary but would prefer not to.

Others that have caught my eye;
Thorens 160B w/ SME tonearm
Revolver Rebel
Pro-ject debut 3 (new $350)
Rega Planar 3 (second hand $500)

Can anyone please provide feedback or recommendations?

Thanks!
bluepearl
thsalmon
348 posts
 
I'd go for one of the Rega tables. They are great-sounding, reliable and trouble-free. IMHO, the Pro-ject (and closely related Music Hall) tables are junk.
learsfool
1,215 posts
 
While I wouldn't call Music Hall junk, and maybe not even Project, I do agree that the Rega is a far better choice than those. I had a P2 in my system for a couple of weeks and was very impressed with the soundstage in particular for that price range. I ended up buying a P5. I would go for the new P2 over the used P3, just for convenience and ease and warranty. Then you know where it has been, as well....
thsalmon
348 posts
 
I was probably a bit harsh in my assessment. In general, I should have said Rega makes a much higher quality product.
tpsonic
1,092 posts
 
Rega,most certainly.Do your homework and shop around.
adam18
670 posts
 
Here's another vote for Rega............
I've enjoyed an NAD 533 (a Rega P2 clone) for many years, and have recently upgraded to a new Rega P3-24 w/ Exact 2 cartridge. I love it !!!

Rega makes a GREAT product.
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