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$300 to spend on audio. Should I get a new amplifier or go vinyl? - Page 2

post #16 of 21
10/5/10 at 1:31pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Uncle Erik View Post

I'd go with vinyl. It will give you access to lots more music, which is worth it right there.

$400 will get you in, but keep in mind that you'll end up spending more over time. smily_headphones1.gif The SL1200 is a good way in and I also loved the Rega Planar 3 I had. The Regas have a great arm and an endless array of modifications.


Thanks for the advice, I'll probably go that way.

 

It seems to me that most comparative reviews say that the Regas sacrifice slightly lower overall quality for higher quality tonearms in the same price range as the Pro-Ject models. Would you say that that is a worthwhile tradeoff?

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post #17 of 21
10/5/10 at 2:26pm

Rega arms are quite nice. Im personally not such a fan of the overall turntable. To each their own, but lower end rega plinths, motors, and bearings leave a decent bit to be desired. 

 

Buy the 1200. Run it with the stock arm for a while. The stock arm isnt bad, far from it, but there are better arms out there. The "motor" and base of the 1200 are an outstanding value.

 

When your wallet recovers buy the origin live rega/technics mounting plate and a rega arm. This combo is scary nice, and an easy upgrade path.

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post #18 of 21
10/5/10 at 3:23pm
Thread Starter 

I know this may be superficial of me, but would you be able to easily mount a rega tonearm on the Pro-Ject? I like the overall minimalist design of the Debut III more and it is significantly cheaper. Not that if the Technics would sound massively better I couldn't deal with the price and looks, but if the sound quality difference isn't drastic and the tonearm can still be upgraded I may go the Pro-Ject route.


Edited by revolink24 - 10/5/10 at 3:24pm
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post #19 of 21
10/5/10 at 3:56pm

Project builds their TT's and tonearms for the "LINN" mounting distance (212mm {which comes out to a 9" spindle to pivot, because the metric system is better and thats exactly 9"}) where Rega builds their tonearms on the "REGA" mounting standard (222mm {which is set up for a 9.3" spindle to pivot, because longer is better}). Anyways, the arms are not interchangeable without drilling, cutting, and general ugliness.

 

Something that is nice with the 1200 is that someone else has already taken on the depreciation for you. Find a good one in the $200-250 range, buy it, and sell it for the same a few years down the line. the way Technics 1200 prices have been trending for the past few years you may make a few bucks. 

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post #20 of 21
10/5/10 at 7:36pm
Thread Starter 

Thanks for the advice. I'll continue keeping my eye out on ebay and audiogon. If any decent turntables show up for $250 or so, I'll probably take the plunge. I've been eyeing this phono stage as well: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=360306244643&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_500wt_922

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post #21 of 21
10/5/10 at 7:46pm

Looks nice.

 

You should keep tabs on craigslist. I have found such outstandingly retardedly awesome deals on craigslist its not even funny. Ignoring the fact that you are only competing against the locals on craigslist (for the most part) for the deals, shipping a turntable is nobody's idea of fun. 

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