rega or music hall or?

scottyboy76

We just bought deb a portable oxygen concentrator, so i feel a little better about buying a new TT.

Im going to buy new, simply because im not in a position to learn how to repair/refurb some classic.

Im thinking of the rega p1, they go for about 445, have not seen any sale prices, so i figure they have price requirements of sellers.

Its the entry level model and comes with an ortofon cart. cant remember the model off the top of my head, but will be looking to sell some gear and upgrade thatsoon, after learning here at club polk how much improvement they can bring (thank you all).

I always knew there were very expensive carts, but did not know the diff. a little more money could make.

I have seen music hall TT, at about the same price, with the same ortofon cart.

Just wondering if there was a lot of diff., and is the rega upgrade kit with a better platter, and an at cart worth it.

Keep in mind budget is very important here, but i want to get my old vinyl spinning as properly as i can afford, especially fleetwood mac rumours at night for deb, she gets pretty stressed at night about her cancer and everything, and it honestly helps her go to a better place.

Thanks in advance.

Scott and Deb.

hochpt21

Not sure how much this will help, but when I was looking to upgrade my tt, I was looking at the rega 1 as well. My local dealer who is a legit stand up guy said the upgrade package was definitely worth it for the money.

Plus, it will already be set up and ready to go since you said you didn't want to mess around too much with it. This would save you from wanting to upgrade later and having to pay to do it then or worry about doing it yourself.

Again, I havn't heard either tt you are considering so take it FWIW.

Paul

Toolfan66

I personally don't think you can go wrong with either one..

scottyboy76

good info guys, especially on the upgrade, was more undecided about that than which to purchase, thanks.

jaritta

We carry rega and music hall stuff (the place I work for) We also carry pro-ject turn tables, and we find that for the price these beat the rega and music hall....but not by much. My boss swears by them.... i am a little fuzzy on the details but I beleive pro-ject also makes turn tables for other high end brands like rega and music hall. I could be wrong on that but i know they do make tt's for other high end brands.

Either one you choose is a great brand, we had great luck with music hall phonostages also.

For our ears the Denon Cartridge is a great upgrade for these tt's

Good luck with your purchace

SCompRacer

Scott, are you referring to the Rega RP1? It has some good press. The RP1 is replacing both the P1 and the P2 (until Rega releases the new P2 anyway).

I know you said new, but how do you feel about dealer demo's? I've bought either used or dealer demo to beat depreciation allowing me to move up higher in the table food chain. I'll only buy dealer demo tables though if they don't leave the shop for at home trials. You should get the full warranty with a dealer demo.

For example, here is an RP1 with the upgrade package on the 'gon from a dealer slightly higher than your mentioned price.

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/rega-rp1-turntable-with-performance-package-like-new-st

You can also check with local or other online dealers for dealer demo or set up packages. Sometimes a phone call will get you a better deal than an advertised price in print.

What phono pre do you have? The cartridge you eventually upgrade to would have to be compatible with it for cartridge loading and gain.

scottyboy76

Im using a rega mini pre.

I assume you are referring to MM/MC cartridge compatibility?

If theres more to know, let me know.

Im going to pursue the demos, sounds like a very smart way to go.

Btw That looks like a nice deal on agon, might contact them tomorrow.

Thanks for the headsup

SCompRacer

Yes on the MM/MC compatibility. Your phono pre, like many, is fixed at 47K Ohm impedance and probably around 44dB of gain. MM's are mostly 47K Ohm and high output (.5mV). You could use an MC cartridge, but it would have to be high output with 47K Ohm impedance. Low output MC's require more gain with the phono pre so your not cranking your volume up too high. Just something to remember when cartridge shopping.

I just did a quick search at Audiogon and that is the only one that popped with 'rega demo' in the search field. The ad was specific about it being a store demo and not a lightly used trade in.

Joe08867

I own a Rega and love it, but for the money I would second Pro-ject as well. They make real nice TT's.

Looking into Dealer Demos is always a good option as well.

dkg999

Rega used to use some Pro-ject arms and some of the Music Hall tables are built by Pro-ject. I have a Music Hall 5.1SE table that has a Pro-ject arm on it. I don't think you could really go wrong with any table built/sold by Rega, Music Hall, or Pro-ject. I would keep an eye on AudioAdvisor, Music Direct, NeedleDoctor, and other similar etailers for demos and clearance sales.

cstmar01

I have the 2.2LE and really enjoy the table. It has also a pro-ject arm and came with the Music hall tracker cart which is MM. Good sounding overall.

The issue is when you get into some of their higher end TT IMO. There are often so many more option at that price point but you can't go wrong with Rega either. I've heard their stuff and really enjoyed it.

steveinaz

Rega is a no-brainer, especially at entry level, IMO.

scottyboy76

thanks for all the good info guys, im about to call audio alternatives in atlanta and see if they have any demo gear.

Debs chemo and her oncologist appt. to get the results of her scan are in atlanta thurs, early, so if we dont get bad news and are in a good frame of mind afterward, might stop by and pick something up, if not, im kinda leanin towards an upgraded base rega.

I mean in 100 years no one is going to be worried if i spent 150 bucks extra to treat us to something special.

gdb

Wishing you both the best in health, and music !!

scottyboy76

gdb wrote: »

Wishing you both the best in health, and music !!

Thank you, it means a lot

scottyboy76

I HAVE JUST PURCHASED THE TT SCOMPRACER PUT ME ONTO HERE>

I cant thank you enough.

ron buffington and i have been playing a little phone tag, but he left a message saying he has some good news for me.

This polkie just saved me app.140

Just talked to ron in the middle of this post.

Let me just say hes doing something very special for us.

It will take app. a week before he can ship it to us, but hes making it worth the wait.i am on cloud nine.

Ron seems like a great great guy, i will keep all posted on his follow up and completion on this, but so far seems like a top notch guy.

Btw liquid audio is his shop, its in Charlotte N.C., so if anyone has ever been there let me know, or if your around there stop in and let us know.

TNHNDYMAN

Good news indeed. Hope it gives you alot of time together.