Rega P1 vs. Technics SL-1200MK2

[jjhatfield]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpelg /img/forum/go_quote.gif You go, Jack! Between the Modwright, the Stello, and the SL-1200, you should have most formats well-covered! Keep us updated.

Thanks Jimmy, I'm excited to now have the option to purchase music in yet another format.

I think what pushed me over the edge was when I heard The Fall were releasing an alternate mix of their new album on vinyl.

My only problem now is that its time to make some compromises on my desk space:

It looks like I'm going to have to move the Modwright to the center of the desk and put the monitor on top of it.

This is just the best option since the monitor is more lightweight and has a smaller footprint then the PPX3. The Stello I'll put on top of my computer case off to the side, since I pretty only have to have easy access to it once, and that is when I turn it on. Or I might just sell it and turn in my Team Computer-As-Source card.

Then the 1200 will just go where the Modwright is.

Anyway, I'm sure you are all enthralled by my audio peripheral placement quandary, but you'll just have to stay tuned if you want to know the stunning conclusion to where I put the TT when it arrives.

 

[golgi]

Great choice, I think you'll be very happy with your purchase. If you decide to get a spare cartridge down the road, check out the AT440LA or the Denon 160 as low cost spares that have good synergy with your TT and comparable to more expensive carts.

Oh, after you get some nice clean records and give them a good listen, you won't have to try hard to make room because you'll probably end up moving your cd player to secondary role

Download a free alignment protractor and I also recommend getting a round floating level so you can place it on the center of the spindle with the 45 adapter underneath of it and see exactly how level your TT is sitting. It's well worth the $3 or so at Home Depot.

 

[TimSchirmer]

I'd go for the technics, the rega might sound better out of the box, but with a few tweaks the technics will sound amazing.

Plus its built like 10x better than a p3. Just make sure to get record cleaning stuff and a nice moving-coil cartridge.

 

[jjhatfield]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimSchirmer /img/forum/go_quote.gif I'd go for the technics, the rega might sound better out of the box, but with a few tweaks the technics will sound amazing. Plus its built like 10x better than a p3. Just make sure to get record cleaning stuff and a nice moving-coil cartridge.

I'm starting out with the integrated groovemaster cart KAB sells, which is MM, but there are plenty of opportunities for upgrading up course. Folks say the removable SL-1200 headshells make "cart rolling" a breeze. The 1200 I bought is basically stock, but there is of course the tonearm liquid damper mod, external power supply, etc.

I'm picking up an Audioquest Carbon Fiber brush for strictly dry dusting, and before it is over with I'll probably end up with a Nitty Gritty Record Doctor III from Audio Advisor, seems to be the best bet for the money.

 

[blueworm]

I am extremely biased.
I voted for the technics 1200. For me it more than just another turntable.

It is "The Turntable".

In its stock form many say it is bested by the rega p3. I can not confirm or deny this. I presume it to be true.

In a modified form, some say that the sound quality is much higher. I hope that is true

 

[jjhatfield]

Quote:

Originally Posted by blueworm /img/forum/go_quote.gif I am extremely biased. I voted for the technics 1200. For me it more than just another turntable. It is "The Turntable". In its stock form many say it is bested by the rega p3. I can not confirm or deny this. I presume it to be true. In a modified form, some say that the sound quality is much higher. I hope that is true

I admit, one of the reasons I am so drawn to the 1200 is that it appears so tough and substantial, so industrial. That and the fact that the MK2 model has been popular for decades.

 

[proglife]

Quote:

Originally Posted by blueworm /img/forum/go_quote.gif In its stock form many say it is bested by the rega p3. I can not confirm or deny this. I presume it to be true. In a modified form, some say that the sound quality is much higher. I hope that is true

For what it's worth, a local guy here was trying to find his ideal turntable. His "journey" went like this:

- bought a P3... sold it
- bought a VPI Scoutmaster...sold it (said it was too fussy for him)
- bought a 1200 and upgraded it with some KAB mods...sold it
- bought another P3...sold it to me
- bought a fully modded KAB 1200...sold it
- bought another P3...says it's the keeper

I wasn't able to compare the P3 and 1200 myself, but I'm extremely happy with my P3. He seems to prefer it over the 1200, but he did like the 1200 a lot too. I don't think you can go wrong with either.

 

[memepool]

Quote:

Originally Posted by proglife /img/forum/go_quote.gif I wasn't able to compare the P3 and 1200 myself, but I'm extremely happy with my P3. He seems to prefer it over the 1200, but he did like the 1200 a lot too. I don't think you can go wrong with either.

For the best of both worlds he should have just tried the Origin Live upgrade which is basically a new mounting plate fitting a Rega tonearm to the 1200.

 

[proglife]

i think that's a bit too "tweaky" for him. we both like to keep our equipment more or less unmodified.

 

[blueworm]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mempool "For the best of both worlds he should have just tried the Origin Live upgrade which is basically a new mounting plate fitting a Rega tonearm to the 1200"

The rega arm mod is kind of a more european thing.

Quote:

Originally Posted by proglife "I think that's a bit too "tweaky" for him. we both like to keep our equipment more or less unmodified."

Besides I just escaped from the DIY forum.

 

[memepool]

Quote:

Originally Posted by blueworm /img/forum/go_quote.gif The rega arm mod is kind of a more european thing.

Well I guess the Technics is so iconic it does seem a shame to mod it in a way but then Technics did make an SL120 which was just the SL1200 without the arm and you usually see these sporting an SME 3009...
I think the Rega makes it look more contemporary.

 

[blueworm]

Quote:

Originally Posted by memepool /img/forum/go_quote.gif Well I guess the Technics is so iconic it does seem a shame to mod it in a way but then Technics did make an SL120 which was just the SL1200 without the arm and you usually see these sporting an SME 3009... I think the Rega makes it look more contemporary.

I justify it because the iconic, cult turntable is the SL-1200 MK2(silver).
Not the black one

 

[ssportclay]

Quote:

Originally Posted by blueworm /img/forum/go_quote.gif I am extremely biased. I voted for the technics 1200. For me it more than just another turntable. It is "The Turntable". In its stock form many say it is bested by the rega p3. I can not confirm or deny this. I presume it to be true. In a modified form, some say that the sound quality is much higher. I hope that is true

After I installed an Origin Live Silver tonearm,the improvement in sound quality was huge.Another handy upgrade was the installation of the Isonoe Spring Isolator Feet.I have bouncy wooden floors and lots of windows with no wall space to mount a rack.The Isonoe feet resolved all foot fall issues with a slight added bonus of improved SQ.Floating the direct drive Technics 1200 actually improves its performance.You can't do that with a belt or rim drive.They work and sound best when anchored to bedrock.