gsp0702 Posted October 10, 2010 Posted October 10, 2010 Hi, First post on here, so here goes, I am looking at upgrading my current turntable a Rega Planar 2 of about 20 years old, and I am after upgrading this to a more modern turntable with electronic speed change. Currently on the list to listen to are the following:- Pro-Ject Xpression III or the Pro-Ject RPM5.1 , both with a Pro-ject Speedbox to give the desired speed change. or Rega P3-24 with TT-PSU In NZ I'm not aware of what other turntables would be in this sort of price range that I would be able to audition in the Wellington area as an alternative. The reviews of the similar priced Thorens TD190 suggest its not a contender and besides which specs and lookmake me thinks its a rebadged Dual similar to the one the Rega P2 replaced. Also I understand that the Music Hall MMF5 is available in NZ but I can't find a dealer local to demo it with. Any other suggestions much appreciated. Cheers Andy
Omegaspeedy Posted October 10, 2010 Posted October 10, 2010 Rega P3-24 with TT-PSU a safe but exciting choice. Good build quality and highly upgradeable with after market mods.
curiousgeorgenz Posted October 10, 2010 Posted October 10, 2010 Audio Reference had Clearaudio on special. Might be worth checking out.
Citroen Posted October 11, 2010 Posted October 11, 2010 If you don't mind secondhand how about this RPM5 http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=323010277 (not my auction!). This would leave funds for a decent sub $1000 cartridge. Very important to audition, as the presentation of the TT's is quite different. Most seem to go with the Rega. Not sure why...
Guest Guest Posted October 11, 2010 Posted October 11, 2010 Newbie;135235 wrote: Most seem to go with the Rega. Not sure why... Ummmmmmm........because they rule??
Citroen Posted October 11, 2010 Posted October 11, 2010 Note to self "NEVER upset a Rega owner!" They're so passionate about their gear, I'm not even sure they know that anything else exists... :-)
King Size1553552683 Posted October 11, 2010 Posted October 11, 2010 Newbie;135239 wrote: Note to self "NEVER upset a Rega owner!" Actually it's the LP12 owners that you need to be careful of:D Seriously though the P3-24 with TTPSU is a great deck for the price. The TTPSU isn't just a convenient speed control, but tightens up and improves the musical presentation too.
gsp0702 Posted October 11, 2010 Author Posted October 11, 2010 I had seen, that but I won't get to audition any decks until my day of on friday, and the only time I bought something without auditioning it was a big mistake, so I'll probably let that one go, anyway he doesn't seem keen to put any pics of the actual deck up. I have always liked my current Rega, definetly a beter sound to my ears that the Dual CS504 it replaced. Anyway I will try and go in with no preconceptions and see which of the decks I can audition I like best. Cheers
joe90 Posted October 11, 2010 Posted October 11, 2010 what about an arm upgrade to your existing p2, i find the build quality of the older planers better than the new ones i have had my 3 for 22 years and have been fixing and selling and upgrading them for many years i have put an audiomods arm on and it makes a p2 or p3 equal to most decks at 3 times the price, sure no speed box but i dont really want more gadgets on the deck anyway to make a big improvment you have to spend alot new or take the risk of a second hand deck and i can tell youfrom experience unless you know what to look for or aare good at repairs you could well be buying othere peoples issues, unless youknow the owner and the history i recently did an audiomods arm and benz micro silver for a freind and we compared this a few others in the $4 to $5k mark and where surprised at how very close it was best of luck with your quest and if i can be of any help with your rega just sing out
Nak-Mad Posted October 11, 2010 Posted October 11, 2010 sirAndy;135238 wrote: Ummmmmmm........because they rule?? Nah.. they're a bunch of conservatives.....no sense of adventure
hopeman Posted October 11, 2010 Posted October 11, 2010 Do not recommend Rega P3-24, one auckland forum member spent more than 2K for new TT setup, but when he had an audition of my vintage LP12, he said my one is far more better...
Ernie1553552694 Posted October 11, 2010 Posted October 11, 2010 hopeman;135273 wrote: Do not recommend Rega P3-24, one auckland forum member spent more than 2K for new TT setup, but when he had an audition of my vintage LP12, he said my one is far more better... And then I believe he gave up, sold the rig and went digital. Sorry, I must apologise, late night threadcrapping. Just a convergence of circumstances leading to this outburst. I will apologise again with even less sincerity. Sorry.
King Size1553552683 Posted October 11, 2010 Posted October 11, 2010 hopeman;135273 wrote: Do not recommend Rega P3-24, one Auckland forum member spent more than 2K for new TT setup, but when he had an audition of my vintage LP12, he said my one is far more better... Perhaps, but the OP already has already had a Rega tt for approx 20 years (which he likes) so a P3-24 with a TTPSU is a pretty good suggestion. I would take this a step further and say that unless you know a fair bit about Linn's (or know someone who does), a 'set and forget' Rega is probably a better solution. Plus will a reasonably specc'ed LP12 cost less than the $2k you mention above?
hopeman Posted October 11, 2010 Posted October 11, 2010 No, the whole upgraded LP12 include cart is a littel bit more than 2K, but compare the $ and performance, it's well worth of it. Anyway, it's just IMHO and it's subjective I suppose.
gsp0702 Posted October 11, 2010 Author Posted October 11, 2010 I prefer the option of setting up and installing whereas I understand that the Linn is very much something that needs to be cosseted, tweaked and continuously fettled, and I think if I was going that route theres quite a lot I could do to the Planar 2 before thinking about swapping. So as much as an LP12 is appealing on one level I know my limitations and I don't think an LP12 is me. I still have in the back of my mind looking at updating the Planar 2, initially this would be a service and then either a HEED Orbit1 or 2 PSU (gives the auto speed control) or Hercules PSU (would need to get someone to build a case for it) or I believe Origin do a DC motor and PSU that works with the Rega's. However this and a new Cart would easily bring the cost close to the price of a new Rega or Pro-ject. But thanks for all the input. Andy
Tedwin1553552753 Posted October 11, 2010 Posted October 11, 2010 Well, when I was looking to upgrade from my entry level tt just about everyone said "get a P3" BORING! Hobbies are supposed to be fun. Instead I visited Klauss and came away with a Thorens from the 60's. Without paying silly money tt's just aren't made as well as they used to be. I loved that tt, enjoyed stripping it down and making it all perfect. Tinkering with the set up. Once everything was done it needed no more attention than a Rega would, they don't 'wander off spec' on there own. Ownership of that tt was fun and educational. Have recently upgraded to a Garrard 401 in a lovely plinth with a really nice tonearm (thanks Jason!) some would say the Rolls Royce of tt's. A joy to own and listen too. Still comfortably short of 2K (made a small profit on the Thorens!) And again, I'm getting alot of tt for my money, and when (if) I want a change I will probably get back what I paid. Risk free shopping, or free hire, look at it whichever way.
Nak-Mad Posted October 11, 2010 Posted October 11, 2010 gsp0702;135289 wrote: I prefer the option of setting up and installing whereas I understand that the Linn is very much something that needs to be cosseted, tweaked and continuously fettled, and I think if I was going that route theres quite a lot I could do to the Planar 2 before thinking about swapping. So as much as an LP12 is appealing on one level I know my limitations and I don't think an LP12 is me. Hi Andy, Unfortunately, your comments above are reflective the 'general' perception of many with regards to Linn's, largely due IMHO to 'Ivor the terrible' himself, wanting to 'mystify' his product, as well as protect his dealer chain in times past... no user serviceable parts inside :rolleyes:, with no doubt some generous input from the anti-Linn brigade as well!!! A Linn is no more cantankerous than any other suspended subchassis turntable, and as has been said/defended by myself and one or two others here.. they do not need constant fettling or go 'out of tune' at the drop of a hat. They are no more difficult to set up and maintain than a Thorens TD160, and can be modded in the same way that a TD160 can be 'chadwicked' (amongst other mod paths) for cheap upgrades outside of expensive official Linn parts. So.. I wouldn't dismiss a Linn on those grounds, though a second hand one may need some retuning/setting on receipt......(same goes for a Thorens) The P3 path is a good one and a safe one as a current P2 user, and there are plenty of tuning options down the track to extract even more from them if you wish. The Pro-jects are a similar path to the Rega, and it comes down to personal preference. Your P2 is quite upgradeable though, to beyond P3 spec if you wish to travel that path, but then there is nothing quite like something 'new' either Good luck Nak-Mad PS: FWIW, my old Linn/LVX beats my not as old P3/RB300 with the same cartridge fitted....or should I say, I prefer it more..... but my RPM9.1 wallops both... Audiophilliacs rule number XXIV... never throw any of your old gear away
guitardude Posted October 11, 2010 Posted October 11, 2010 Just to add fuel to the fire, I'm still thouroughly impressed with my nearly 30 year old Michell Gyrodec. Admittedly it's had all the recentish upgrades, DC motors, platters springs etc, but it's served me well and still sounds great. I did yesterday have a quick listen to a VPI classic, which certainly looked the business (havent compared it directly with the Gyro). Dont know who does Michell here, but are readily available ex Singapore. PM me if you want the details...
Nak-Mad Posted October 12, 2010 Posted October 12, 2010 Jon;135299 wrote: Build a Lenco and thrash the lot! :D :D.. isn't that how 'wars' start???? Used to have a nice condition G99, that disappeared in my move to Auckland from Welly many moons ago..:mad:...not as good looking as a Garrard, but great sound... as to which was better??....
guitardude Posted October 12, 2010 Posted October 12, 2010 Jon;135299 wrote: Build a Lenco and thrash the lot! :D Yeah OK, I'll race you for pink slips !!
Beeman Posted October 12, 2010 Posted October 12, 2010 I have a very nice Origin Live Aurora Mll with Origin Live Silver arm I would consider selling. I have had several of the suggested turntables & this performs fantastically. Its a very interesting looking machine & has the latest upgrades - thicker deck & heavier better motor unit. PM me for details or audition - cheers http://www.modularaudio.com.sg/html/aurora_mk2_gallery.html Attached files
gsp0702 Posted October 12, 2010 Author Posted October 12, 2010 I stand corrected on the Linn, it does seem to attract the compulsive tweaker should maybe a better way of putting it. And as you rightly say new is always nice. One of the dealers I am visiting on Friday seems to be a Michell dealer so I will ask about the tecnodec and see if a demo is possible. Also getting prices on the Heed/Hercules PSU route for the existing turntable, so we shall see. Cheers Andy
guitardude Posted October 12, 2010 Posted October 12, 2010 World of difference between a Technodec and a Gyro. You're only going to do it once so go for the Gyro and be done !!!
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