stockholm Posted January 25, 2019 Posted January 25, 2019 Hi Guys, So I am looking into an entry level TT. At the moment, I have whittled my selection down to the Audio Technica LP-120 or Rega Planar 1 (+ additional Rega phono stage). My preference is the Rega P1, but the thing is, I can get the LP-120 at a considerable discount - $445. Aesthetically the P1 suits my overall kit, but at some point budget weighs into the equation. Any thoughts to assist me in my decision? Thanks in advance.
Guest thathifiguy Posted January 25, 2019 Posted January 25, 2019 I'd get the Rega, sounds great for an entry deck and is easy as to set up.
EV Cali Posted January 25, 2019 Posted January 25, 2019 (edited) You can get a P1 for $449 ,including delivery . https://www.audiotrends.com.au/rega-planar-1-black.html?utm_source=google_shopping&m=simple&gclid=Cj0KCQiA4aXiBRCRARIsAMBZGz_cSagzSejOUqj_e51CadnqL2yjRUBAEYuI6Y_dsX9EDo0HCXeAFXQaAqVmEALw_wcB The only real difference is the cost of a phono, about $100 for entry level one, so why not go for the one you want, the REGA. Edited January 25, 2019 by EV Cali
Citroen Posted January 25, 2019 Posted January 25, 2019 (edited) This would sound better than either of those. Project Debut III, with OM10 for only $250! Edited January 25, 2019 by Citroen 1
aussievintage Posted January 25, 2019 Posted January 25, 2019 I would not go for the LP120. I have seen too many in shops with loose sloppy tonearm bearings. Besides that, I prefer something that looks like a hifi turntable, not an ex-disco machine. That Pro-ject Debut above looks interesting. 2
wen Posted January 25, 2019 Posted January 25, 2019 I'd wait and see if you can pick up a second hand Rega 2 or 3, i bought my Rega planar 2 for $150, you could put an ortofon 2mred or blue new for your budget, this may keep you going for many years, i came down from a Linn Sondek so don't worry about the naysayers, still enjoying my music 5
stockholm Posted January 25, 2019 Author Posted January 25, 2019 58 minutes ago, wen said: I'd wait and see if you can pick up a second hand Rega 2 or 3, i bought my Rega planar 2 for $150, you could put an ortofon 2mred or blue new for your budget, this may keep you going for many years, i came down from a Linn Sondek so don't worry about the naysayers, still enjoying my music Yeah this is what I think i'll do. Appreciate the great advice all.
mattd2308 Posted January 25, 2019 Posted January 25, 2019 Check out one of these. https://www.selby.com.au/electronics/turntables/turntables/music-hall-mmf-2-2-turntable-configurable.html Just recently purchased one for my daughter's 13th. Interest sake, set up on my system, very good sounding t/table. Doesn't feel cheap, yes, arm and cartridge not elite, however will do the job nicely. 1
blakey72 Posted January 26, 2019 Posted January 26, 2019 I've had the old rp2 and the new Planar 1 and there isn't a great difference in sound quality. The 2 has a better arm but my Planar 1 with Ortofon Blaue sounds very good. That's comparing to a Pro-ject rpm5.1 with at150mlx. 1
stockholm Posted January 26, 2019 Author Posted January 26, 2019 So you'd say the difference is negligible. I think I'll be going for an P1.
TerryO Posted January 26, 2019 Posted January 26, 2019 47 minutes ago, stockholm said: So you'd say the difference is negligible. I think I'll be going for an P1. It also depends on the rest of your system. cheers Terry
stockholm Posted January 26, 2019 Author Posted January 26, 2019 9 hours ago, TerryO said: It also depends on the rest of your system. cheers Terry I'd be feeding LS50W's
Batty Posted January 27, 2019 Posted January 27, 2019 There is a very nice planar 2 in the classifieds .... not mine I hasten to add.
blakey72 Posted January 27, 2019 Posted January 27, 2019 23 hours ago, stockholm said: So you'd say the difference is negligible. I think I'll be going for an P1. Yeah as Terry said it will depend slightly on the rest of the system. I'm running the P1 with entry level Cambridge Topaz gear and Equinox Pluto speakers. With the P1, it's a good unit if you just want basic good sound and don't really plan on upgrading carts and other parts in the future. If you want upgradibility you'd be better with a P2 or higher, something with an arm that is more adjustable. Even the MMF which is partially Pro-ject. I just wanted basic for my bedroom so got the P1, wacked an Ortofon Blue on and am very happy.
wen Posted January 27, 2019 Posted January 27, 2019 @stockholm i agree with @Batty , the Rega 2 in the classifieds is great value, the Grace 707 tone arm is still better than a lot of tonearms today, i had one on my Linn, tracked beatifully, the ortofon retails at $169, i have seen the Grace arm advertised at$400, i have the same Rega Planar 2 as pictured, excellent value( i have no affiliation to the seller, just my opinion) 1
Ronidler Posted January 27, 2019 Posted January 27, 2019 (edited) P1 has fixed anti-skating - which could be a problem if you want to change the cartridge. Anti-skating is fixed at around 2.5 gms (which is tracking weight for Rega Carbon cartridge). I have one as a second turntable and had trouble with the arm/cartridge sticking on some records (Nagaoka MP110 cartridge and Rega Exact cartridge). Had to actually loosen and move the "fixed" anti-skating magnet to get over this. Edited January 27, 2019 by Ronidler 1
The Bluesman Posted January 27, 2019 Posted January 27, 2019 Oh the fun of buying your first turntable and you have some great choices, I still have my entry level turntable that I bought 40 years ago now, a Dual 522 and I still love spinning LPs on it, Rega make great Turntables if you can find a good second hand 2 or 3 that would be better but that brand new P1 would also be nice, enjoy your researching and looking as Vinyl is a cool thing to get into 1
nkoulban Posted February 8, 2019 Posted February 8, 2019 (edited) Having recently set up an Reloop RP7000 Mk2 for my sister, I was very impressed with how it sounded. Its a Hanpin Super OEM based 'table at $549 plus around $60 for a lid. For me at this price point this is hard to beat. Edited February 8, 2019 by nkoulban 1
MattyW Posted February 8, 2019 Posted February 8, 2019 2 hours ago, nkoulban said: Having recently set up an Reloop RP7000 Mk2 for my sister, I was very impressed with how it sounded. Its a Hanpin Super OEM based 'table at $549 plus around $60 for a lid. For me at this price point this is hard to beat. I'll second that. It's a fantastic table. If my JVC TT71 were to irreparably fail I'd grab the Reloop. 1
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