Deciding on new TT: Rega Planar 6 or...?

[mulveling]

You're definitely very smart to move up to the Planar 6 level, at least. You're getting into real, lasting quality at that point. In that price range I'd entertain either that Rega 6, a ClearAudio Concept (with a better cartridge than the Concept MM or MC, or an arm upgrade), or a SOTA Sapphire (a bit above this range if new, but refurbished units can be has too).

I started out in vinyl with an old SOTA Star III, Fidelity Research arm, and Benz Glider lo-MC cart - $2800 total cost. I instantly fell in love with vinyl and started shunning digital. Which is still how I feel now, even with all the advancements in digital - analog sound quality keeps getting better too! The SOTA is a more complete solution than the other 2 tables; it has interchangeable armboards (for a reasonable cost) and really good built-in isolation via its suspension system. Even though I have a ClearAudio Master Innovation that rules the roost here, I also really love my SOTA Nova V (rebuilt from my old Star III) at a fraction of the cost. The ClearAudio sits on a rack that cost more than my car (lol); the SOTA is perfectly happy on a Salamander stand.

[Antonmb]

Originally Posted by Scottht

I bought a used rp6 and immediately installed a TangoSpinner sub platter and triple pulley.

Brand new exact cartridge, with a Herbies mat.

I didn't like the table from the start.

I have since benched the Rega and replaced it with a VPI classic with Soundsmith Carmen mkii cartridge. Night and day difference. I honestly believe that I bought my ladt turntable.

Glad you are enjoying your Classic, it’s a wonderful table. Just FYI, while I’ve used Herbie’s products and think they’re great bang for the buck, I’ve found the mats detract rather than add on the Regas I’ve had. They also change the VTA slightly. It’s hard to make a good evaluation if you didn’t live with a current model stock P6 with no “upgrades.”

[Mister Pig]

The new Mobile Fidelity tables are worth taking a look at. You can get the Ultra Deck without cartridge for right under $1K


If I were set on a Rega, I would do like the other poster did and get one off the used market and upgrade at least the sub platter, as its the root cause of the speed issues Rega can have. I also wouldn't feel bad about modifying the plinth to take a VTA adjuster for the arm also.

But if it was me, I would probably be buying a Clearaudio Concept.

Cheers
Mister Pig