I second (or third?) Rega TT and cartridge. One really nice feature of Rega TT/cart combos is the 3-point mounting system that greatly simplifies mounting and alignment.
I’ve gone all the way up the Rega chain with a Naia TT, Aphelion 2 cart and Aura phono stage and couldn’t be happier with the performance.
There’s also some very interesting aftermarket tweaks from Groovetracer.com.
Vinyl can bit a hassle, but really worth the effort.
One must start sometime. BTW, I have been known to send out a box of records to those that dip their toe into the vinyl realm to get them started.
Whatever the correct number is, I’ll raise it one! I have the same setup (except I’m using the P10 instead of the NAIA) and agree with all your points.
I haven’t deviated from the standard configuration; are there specific Groovetracer tweaks that you recommend?
The Groovetracer mods mostly apply to the lower/middle end of Rega TTs. I heavily modified an older P5 with very good results. I wouldn’t change a thing on your P10. I tried the GT counterweight on my Naia but went back to the stock weight due to some interference with my “Little Fwend” arm lifter.
Thanks! Are you using the stock Rega turntable mat? Sometimes static build-up from playback will result in the mat lifting up with the LP. Minor annoyance but it is the one element I’ve given thought to replacing.
I’ve been into this hobby going on 60 years. All the ideas and brands mentioned are great ideas. Being new to vinyl as you are I recommend taking advantage of the knowledge from TRM. They do this all day and enjoy helping people like you. Having a relationship with a local shop is priceless. I’ve been working with my local shop,Fidelis, in NH for years and they have gone above and beyond. My 2 cents
Thanks again everyone. That was a lot of support for Rega, and I have had them suggested in the past so I am going to look into that more. The ease of setup is valuable to me at this stage and I love to see all the recommendations.
TMR carries new Rega gear as well. It looks like the Planer 6 with the ND7 MM cartridge would basically be my budget. If I went used, I could do a planer 6 with the Rega Ania MC cartridge or a RP-8 that does not have a cartridge and put on a new Rega ND7 MM. While the nicer model used appeals to me, I’ll listen to all your advice and just start of with a new turntable.
Does a new Planer 6 with the ND7 MM make sense or would another cartridge with the Planer 6 make sense? I really just came to that point by finding a new Rega in my price range. The upcoming Planter 6 RS (Rega Special) graded my attention as it has an upgraded tonearm (RB880) and and upgraded ND9 MM cartridge for about $600 more. Stretching the budget here eats up my money for new speaker cables though.
I was planning to use the rest of my trade budget to upgrade speaker cables as I just only had cheap cables up to this point. TRM was recommending Synergistic Research for cables here where I was tempted to go for something from AudioQuest based off Paul’s numerous recommendations. I did tell them I wanted something that leaned a little more warm and would not be shouty with my Mangepans.
As to records, my wife and I were fortunate enough to grab up both of our parents collections when they downsized. While a good bit of what we have does not align with our taste, we probably have at least 50 of old classics we are both into. Unfortunately, there is no blues or classic British rock in our collection which I will be hunting for.
I’ve tried a Herbie’s Way Excellent mat with good results, but I’m back with the stock Rega felt mat. As long as the humidity doesn’t get too low in the house I have no static cling issues.
The Rega Planar 6 is a solid choice at your price point. Work with TMR,and request a demo with the Planar 6 and various Rega cartridges, and possibly a Hana cartridge. Personally, I’d go with a new Planar 6 RS and the Nd7 MM cart just based on Rega’s reputation and my experience with the Planar 8. Speaker cables can wait. What electronics and speakers are you currently using?
Good choice, Rega.
What sort of person are you? Are you like myself and so many others here, plagued by Upgrade/Tinkeritise?
used to have a rega P9 to top of the line, sell everything with my Vinyl decades ago
So family could go to this Disney!
I was hoping there was other way but decision was made fast and I have to find money for the traveling
Happy family souvenir
For the music that was another story
Years to get back on the saddle
I certainly do have a problem when it comes to tinkering and getting my hands on things but I would like to think I am starting to recover from the affliction to a degree. Like many, I often look above what I can afford at the moment and strive for it and often I have upgraded things in the past. It is totally a bad habit, but if I have X tonearm, I’ll probably starting eye Y tonearm and admit I like acquiring gear.
I’m already in the process of talking myself up to the Rega Planer 6 RS, which just came out. It has the tonearm from the 8 series, upgrades the ND5 or ND7 to their flagship MM ND9 cartridge, upgrades to a duel belt layout, and a slightly upgraded plinth that I like the look of. It feels a group of worthwhile upgrades for $600, but is basically me already upgrading something I don’t even own. Part of me suspects that at this point, I’ll now want those upgrades and if I go with a standard Planer 6 I will likely eventually upgrade the tonearm and cartridge.
I should take the advice I was given to go in for a demo. I’m curious how long you are all willing to spend listing to gear in stores? I tend to feel uncomfortable due to the sales environment and don’t want to eat up their space and time and often just listen to two songs on each piece of gear tops. This might be doing myself a disservice as it seems like some others spend multiple hours listening to gear and more time would be nice. There must be a line where it becomes too much, but I don’t know where that balance is. This will be my second fairly large transaction with them, if that matters.
Thanks again for the advice from the whole community. I was excited for quality Technics DD but am now going deep down the Rega hole trying to learn more and obviously there are a lot of fans I am coming across.
RP10 and above is my thought. Less than that leaves so much above.
You certainly seem serious about a purchase, and have a relationship established with TMR. Based on that take the time you need and schedule a demo with them. When you arrive let them know your intentions and your concerns. They should give you the time you need to make an informed decision. Any dealer that doesn’t isn’t worth their salt. That said dealers are weary of tire kickers, so be upfront with them.
An RP10 at his price point may have issues, and his intent is to trade in some gear towards a purchase at TMR. A P6 RS is a stretch that brings meaningful improvements at its price point. Me I’d just sidestep all other options, and get a Dohmann Helix One MkIII with a SAT tonearm. In my dreams! Haha!
A friend had a P8. I didn’t care for it at all. I had an RP10, which was miles above the P8. I gave my RP10 to a friend who was just starting out with vinyl. One of the things in his system he doesn’t think needs upgrading is the RP10. Just saying.
I am not saying he should buy a new one, but a used one can happen.
The super cheap ultrasonic cleaning system (~$140) does a great job and will greatly improve your enjoyment of the inherited collection. Clean them before your first play.
I have a rega 3 special edition (essential a 6) as well as an 8. Both are solid values. I don’t like how exposed the cantilever is on rega cartridges. The felt mat can be a static pain but I don’t think rega uses it to save $. I trust that they believe it is the best sonic choice. Be sure to stop the platter before removing the record else you risk the mat being a projectile disk headed for that cantilever. You don’t need a rega cartridge to take advantage of the third hole as proper setup puts the stylus directly below that hole. Despite my issue with rega, the discount on a package makes the table-cartridge a good deal.
I have no first hand experience with Rega but I wouldn’t hesitate to go that route. I am intrigued by the Naia.
And the “Rabbit Guy” has a good point. If you can clear your way to the RP10, you’re done. And if you’re who you say you are, you will eventually spend that much money plus more buying mid-tier, upgrading, taking hits in depreciation along the way.
Your reply clearly indicates that you are in the right place here. Welcome brother.
I had an RP10 and loved it for years. I thought about trading up to a P10, but wasn’t sure this was a big enough step and decided Rega has treated me very well (both the gear and the company) so found a way to go all the way to the Naia. This incorporates many of the Naiad features (limited $40k TT) and sounds fantastic. I’m sure there are doubters (me included), but I think this really is my end game TT especially with retirement looming.
If you ever need support for Rega products I highly recommend these guys https://soundorg.com/. They facilitated a replacement motor drive for the RP10 and gave me a reasonable credit for my Apheta 2 to trade up to the Aphelion 2 cart.
by the way, did a search on Azon, there were only 3 albums belows 50$ in Jazz music! so pricey lp’s now!