TT and Cart recommendation
 

I am in the market for a replacement turntable. For now I have with the 2 channel system a Rega RP3 with the TTPSU power unit and the Ortofon Bronze MM cartridge. It is okay but this is the weakest source I have.

Please provide recommendations on a new turntable and cartridge. I would like to go with a moving coil cartridge mainly since I never had one. What is a good TT and cart match? What will mix well with my system (see my signature)? I am thinking around $5k more or less. Thanks, Jim

(I posted in the VPI thread since i was not sure where else to post but I am not limited to VPI)

VPI Classic TT with Ortofon Cadenza Bronze or Lyra Kleos would be great combos with your system and should come in right a bit over $5K at list and should be able to get it around $5K with some negotiating. If you go with Lyra Delos cartridge you should be under $5K.

If the RP3 made you a Rega fan at all, the RP-8 with Apheta mc cartridge would be another good option.

VPI offers some info regarding potential cartridge pairings with their 'tables on their website. I recently traded my Pro-ject in for a VPI Prime with Ortofon Quintet Black, which is a pairing recommended on the site. The pair should run about $4800 retail.

Good luck on your search!

I was leaning toward the RP10 with Apheta 2 MC or the VPI Prime with Ortofon Quintet Black MC since my local TT guy carries these products. Recommended between the two? I am also interested in alternatives and possibly a very high quality one owner if will offer a meaningful move up the scale.

What is your pre/amp/speaker combination? Phono preamp?

A couple of great choices. I am a bit biased of course (aren't we all?) but I went from a VPI (Scoutmaster with all the trimmings) to a Rega P-9 with no regrets. The downside to the Rega is no VTA adjustment, but there are many cartridges that are a great fit without need for changing VTA. But if you like the "set it and forget it" of Rega, not having to mess with clamps, ultra-simple setup, etc., the RP10 should be an excellent table. The VPI will be great also, especially if you like the flexibility and don't mind putting that extra effort into setup to get that last degree of performance. And while I'm not familiar with the Prime, other VPIs offer upgrade paths as well.

My system is currently in flux as I'm trying to move up from mid-fi equipment and probably isn't the most useful comparison. The only reason I bought the VPI was because I was allowed to trade-in my Pro-ject that I wasn't impressed with. I'm also hoping the VPI will last me a long time as the rest of my system improves.

Nonetheless, if you're still interested, I'm currently using Schiit's Ragnarok as an integrated, Schiit's Gungnir DAC, and Schiit's Mani phono pre. With Bowers PM-1s. So I'm basically full of Schiit. :D

After two Rega TTs (RP3 followed by an RP25 w/RB900 arm), then a VPI HW-19MkIV w/SME309 arm and, now, a Capital Scout with the JMW 9" Signature arm, I very much a VPI fan. Unlike some, I find the VPI uni-pivot arm to be simple to set up and use and it sounds fantastic. Easily the best sounding, highest quality TT/TA combo I've owned (Denon, Mitsubishi, Sony & Yamaha DDs, Oracle, Rega & VPI). I had planned to go for either a Scoutmaster or Prime, but the Capital Scout came with so many bells & whistles it made the choice easy for me. Next up is the Falcon speed controller, when I'll add the HRX pulley & triple-belts.

Thanks so much for the response. Now have others had success with other brands of TT/TA/Cart? I want to narrow this down but want to consider beyond the obvious Rega and VPI choices.