Yet another.. Help me buy a $1K turntable

[SamS]

Hi all,

I realize this is a relatively common topic, but I would appreciate some fresh insight. I've been 'round and 'round with some cheaper turntables and came away unsatisfied. I'm not sure if that was due to poor setup, or poor quality cartridge/table.

So, I am considering spending approximately $1K on a table/arm/cartridge. I could potentially wait and bump that figure up some, but that would be down the road, so if we can keep it to approximately that $1K budget, I would appreciate it.

Although I considered the Technics SL-1200, I've mostly ruled that out. Other decks near the top would be the Rega P3-24 and MMF-7.

Of course my priorities are good sound, but I'm also a stickler for good build quality. If it looks or feels on the cheap side, I am going to be dissapointed. I don't mind buying online, and if someplace could set it up for me, that would be even better. I would consider used, but only if it's an extraodinary value. The VPI Scout looks like a heck of a table, but it is at least 50-100% more than my budget. Save up? You tell me.

[LeeS]

Sam,

Given the quality of your system, I would consider saving up and getting a Scout. I think it offers a high value for dollar. I'm biased in that I have Scoutmaster that has served me well but a lot of reviewers like think the Scout is a good value piece.

Lee

[Jay F]

I like my P3. I chose it over a Scout last year because of price. While I've never heard a Scout, I'm very happy with the P3.

According to TP, the P3-24 is even better, though its price takes you closer to the cost of the Scout. Some complain about Rega's plinth fabrication, but I find its utilitarian design modern and attractive. (Oh, and I think the Scout looks cool, too.)

I don't sense a bias on this forum one way or the other, but one of the people on Vinyl Asylum whose opinions I most respected prefers Rega in general over VPI. You might want to pose the question there, and/or look for posts by a guy named Fretless.

http://www.audioasylum.com/audio/vinyl/bbs.html

[LeeS]

The Rega sound I like as well but I prefer the speed and bass on the VPI at this price point.

Another one of those "ice cream flavors" choices. :)

Sam, auditioning them on a good resolution system at the store is the way to go.

[scotto]

Don't overlook the Michell TecnoDek: http://www.michell-engineering.co.uk/gyrodec_orbe_turntable.html#tecnodec
It's over your budget now, but if you do decide to save up for a better table, this should definitely be a consideration. I've been a Rega owner since the '80s and have heard Scouts and Scoutmasters and from what I've heard (in the showroom only, not with my system), the TeknoDek is superior and a better value.
In another year or so, I'll be upgrading 'tables as well and am leaning toward a Michell.

[Jay F]

Don't overlook the Michell TecnoDek: http://www.michell-engineering.co.uk/gyrodec_orbe_turntable.html#tecnodec
It's over your budget now, but if you do decide to save up for a better table, this should definitely be a consideration. I've been a Rega owner since the '80s and have heard Scouts and Scoutmasters and from what I've heard (in the showroom only, not with my system), the TeknoDek is superior and a better value.
In another year or so, I'll be upgrading 'tables as well and am leaning toward a Michell.Yeah, the guy I was talking about on VA has a Michell turntable now. I forget which one. If I don't get the P5 next, Michell is definitely the brand I'll look at first.

[TommyTunes]

Marantz offers a table, arm, cartridge made by Clearaudio for $1500, the cartridge along lists for $800. It's not unusual to find Marantz products discounted for 10% - 15% which would put it at about $1300 give or take.
Excellent sounding.

[SamS]

If build quality is an important parameter, the SL-1200 is superior to a significant degree over the Rega & MMF-7.

Yes, that is what I'm afraid of. I really like the quality you'd get from a well designed Japan made component. All of my current gear (save my DVD player) are either made in Japan or USA.

Sam,

Given the quality of your system, I would consider saving up and getting a Scout. I think it offers a high value for dollar. I'm biased in that I have Scoutmaster that has served me well but a lot of reviewers like think the Scout is a good value piece.

Lee

Good point. I have invested quite a bit in my system over the last five years. However, with a soon-to-be-wife and new house on the horizon, I'm finding it more difficult to throw all my $$ into gear ;)

I like my P3. I chose it over a Scout last year because of price. While I've never heard a Scout, I'm very happy with the P3.

According to TP, the P3-24 is even better, though its price takes you closer to the cost of the Scout. Some complain about Rega's plinth fabrication, but I find its utilitarian design modern and attractive. (Oh, and I think the Scout looks cool, too.)

I don't sense a bias on this forum one way or the other, but one of the people on Vinyl Asylum whose opinions I most respected prefers Rega in general over VPI. You might want to pose the question there, and/or look for posts by a guy named Fretless.

http://www.audioasylum.com/audio/vinyl/bbs.html

Good tips! AA can get kinda extreme some time, but there is a big vinyl knowledge base over there. The P3-24 with ps upgrade (as described by Jeff D) certainly peaked my interest.

The Rega sound I like as well but I prefer the speed and bass on the VPI at this price point.

Another one of those "ice cream flavors" choices. :)

Sam, auditioning them on a good resolution system at the store is the way to go.

Auditioning them would indeed be the way to go, but I have a feeling it would be tough/impossible to find a MMF-7/P3/VPI all in the same place. VPI is looking mighty appealing however.

Don't overlook the Michell TecnoDek: http://www.michell-engineering.co.uk/gyrodec_orbe_turntable.html#tecnodec
It's over your budget now, but if you do decide to save up for a better table, this should definitely be a consideration. I've been a Rega owner since the '80s and have heard Scouts and Scoutmasters and from what I've heard (in the showroom only, not with my system), the TeknoDek is superior and a better value.
In another year or so, I'll be upgrading 'tables as well and am leaning toward a Michell.

Interesting reading!

Marantz offers a table, arm, cartridge made by Clearaudio for $1500, the cartridge along lists for $800. It's not unusual to find Marantz products discounted for 10% - 15% which would put it at about $1300 give or take.
Excellent sounding.

What model number is the one you are referring to? I think I saw it in the Audio Advisor catalog. I could swing $1300 I suppose.

Does any place offer an extraordinary package price for the Scout + arm + cart?

[LesPaul666]

That new Rega P3-24 seems *very* promising. you can probably get this and a decent cartridge for a grand.:D

[SamS]

That new Rega P3-24 seems *very* promising. you can probably get this and a decent cartridge for a grand.:D

Yeah, that's what I'm thinking too. A Scout is tempting, but would be closer to $2K with arm + cart, right?

[LesPaul666]

Yeah, that's what I'm thinking too. A Scout is tempting, but would be closer to $2K with arm + cart, right?

Yes. And as of August 13th probably a bit more.

[bhazen]

Used Linn or new Rega.

[SamS]

Yes. And as of August 13th probably a bit more.

Have new MSRPs been announced?

Used Linn or new Rega.


Which Linn?

[vinyl anachronist]

Hi all,

I realize this is a relatively common topic, but I would appreciate some fresh insight. I've been 'round and 'round with some cheaper turntables and came away unsatisfied. I'm not sure if that was due to poor setup, or poor quality cartridge/table.

So, I am considering spending approximately $1K on a table/arm/cartridge. I could potentially wait and bump that figure up some, but that would be down the road, so if we can keep it to approximately that $1K budget, I would appreciate it.

Although I considered the Technics SL-1200, I've mostly ruled that out. Other decks near the top would be the Rega P3-24 and MMF-7.

Of course my priorities are good sound, but I'm also a stickler for good build quality. If it looks or feels on the cheap side, I am going to be dissapointed. I don't mind buying online, and if someplace could set it up for me, that would be even better. I would consider used, but only if it's an extraodinary value. The VPI Scout looks like a heck of a table, but it is at least 50-100% more than my budget. Save up? You tell me.

The new P3-24 is stunning. End of story.

[SamS]

The new P3-24 is stunning. End of story.

I'm guessing the power supply upgrade is essential? What about the cart?

So, if I could save up a bit for the Scout, you still feel the P3-24 is still the better value?

[vinyl anachronist]

I'm guessing the power supply upgrade is essential? What about the cart?

So, if I could save up a bit for the Scout, you still feel the P3-24 is still the better value?

The power supply is fantastic, but you can buy that later if you want. For a cartridge I'd still pick the Dynavector 10X5.

I don't think the Scout is a better 'table than the P3-24 with the PSU. Others may, and will, disagree.

[SamS]

The power supply is fantastic, but you can buy that later if you want. For a cartridge I'd still pick the Dynavector 10X5.

I don't think the Scout is a better 'table than the P3-24 with the PSU. Others may, and will, disagree.

Interesting. Wasn't there a place online that was selling the P3-24 pre-installed with the Dynavector 10X5 at a package price, or was that my imagination?

[Jay F]

Interesting. Wasn't there a place online that was selling the P3-24 pre-installed with the Dynavector 10X5 at a package price, or was that my imagination?Technically, you're not able to buy Rega online, but there's an excellent Rega dealer in Austin, TX, who recommends the hell out of the Dynavector 10x5 with Rega turntables.

www.whetstoneaudio.com.

[SamS]

Technically, you're not able to buy Rega online, but there's an excellent Rega dealer in Austin, TX, who recommends the hell out of the Dynavector 10x5 with Rega turntables.

www.whetstoneaudio.com.

I did not know that. I found a Rega dealer closer to me here in Dallas, called Dallas Audio Concepts. I'll give them a call soon.

What is the retail price of the Rega PSU?

[TommyTunes]

PSU is $345 here is a link.
They have the table with Rega cartridge for $1050.
https://www.gcaudio.com/cgi-bin/store/showProduct.cgi?id=457

[SamS]

PSU is $345 here is a link.
They have the table with Rega cartridge for $1050.
https://www.gcaudio.com/cgi-bin/store/showProduct.cgi?id=457

Thanks. So, is the TTPSU really the best way to ensure accurate speed? I thought I read that some Regas run a bit fast. The TTPSU eliminates that concern?

[vinyl anachronist]

Regas don't run a little too fast.

[audio]

Which Linn?

LP12

[LeeS]

Sam,

I don't think the prices on VPI are announced before tomorrow, but my dealer checked on some and found them to be modest. The RCM went up $40 but I'm not sure on the Scout.

Guess we will find out soon.

[LeeS]

They posted the new prices:

http://www.vpiindustries.com/prices.htm

The Scout at $1,800 I'm afraid with cart extra would put you well in the $2K territory.