Asking for a friend. She’s very cute.
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This old audiophile who now can’t afford high end stuff would certainly appreciate any gifts that wold make my system (analog and digital) better…
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Al you have literally been an inspiration to me. You are certainly a paragon . . . of something. I want to say virtue. I want to. . . .
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I can provide some relevant experience. I would second @weedeewop suggesting to just go for it all if possible or lean toward the lesser phono stage for now since it would likely be easier to upgrade than the P10.
I currently have the trio in question: Rega Naia, Aphelion2 and Aura and really think I’m finally at the “end game” for an analog front end (sure, we’ve all heard that before even from me).
The Naia replaced a slightly modded RP10, the Aphelion replaced the Apheta 2 and the Aura replaced the PS Audio Stellar Phono (also excellent).
I’ve been drinking the Rega “Kool-Aid” for some time. I got back into vinyl in 2008 with a used P5 which I then modded using every Groovetracer upgrade available. That table was excellent. The RP10 was of course significantly better and kept me happy for quite some time. The Aura is truly a special phono stage and should be in your plan eventually. If you’re lucky you can find a used one although they don’t often show up since most owners are very happy with it.
I just got the Naia a few weeks ago so need more time to fully appreciate but this is one amazing machine. Some differences are subtle and some are astounding. You can literally hear things on better LP recordings that didn’t exist (at least not clearly audible).
Enjoy your analog front end journey. I love all the fuss with vinyl and still think it’s worth the trouble. For me it’s about having the option to listen to recordings that don’t exist at the same sound quality in any other form. The Blue Note Tone Poet series is great if you’re into Jazz/Funk, etc.
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Okay. I am convinced. 
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Thank you so much and I’m quite certain this will be the path I take.
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Clearly I’m preaching to the Al choir who already “gets” the magic of vinyl but has a much larger budget.
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I love turntables.
The urge to buy a Naia has been nagging me since I first read about it.
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Cables are nagging me.
Potential Fidelium, potential Front Row.
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BTW–I just returned a direct drive TT, the brand I will not reveal to avoid bruised feelings.
It was sporting a Lyra Kleos SL cartridge, the same cartridge that I’m using on my LP-12.
I was surprised that I heard none of the lore that describes the difference between DD and belt drive. My LP-12 was vastly better in speed and dynamics.
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If you like Rega you may be interested in looking at the Origin Live line. The guy began making cable upgrades then serious Rega arm mods beginning in the mid to late 80s I think. He started as a marine architect in Southhampton UK (the Titanic’s last departure port), I think these shipwright/builder/designer people are very concerned about vibration and stability so the tech transfers well. Origin Live make mostly arms tables but also have some very interesting mods and accessories for all tables. With that I say…it’s bean an honour! https://www.originlive.com
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I don’t have a turntable, so I cannot offer any perspective or advice on them. But I do like your choices of VTL pre and power amps driving 20.7 Maggies.
That system has to sound wonderful.
Constantly on my mind as well. The notion tends to fade when I take into consideration my local Rega dealers. Maybe I should reconsider and investigate thaose outside of the Chicago area. Then there was the 2024 Axpona demo, a true bust. Up there with the recent 2024 MSB Cascade roll-out, done in by a pair of underwhelming Raidho speakers.
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I was over the moon with my RP10. I noticed less groove noise, less clicks and pops, it just did everything well. I was certain I was done. I would most likely not enjoy a one on one comparison between my TechDAS and my RP10. The difference in cost is so great, there is no way the improvement could equal the cost difference. And yet…
Vacuum hold down is something I do not wish to live without. Yes, a few of you know the truth, Vacuum hold down is a bad thing that adds constant noise and ruins the performance entirely. Just not at my house.
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