New cherry Rega P5 on the way...

[Puma Cat]

Yesterday, I pulled the trigger on a demo Rega P5 with cherry surround from a dealer back east. The table has less than 50 hours on it, and I got it for 1/3 off MSRP, delivered.

I've always been very intrigued about the Rega P5. I've read and have heard first-hand from friends that it is the sweet spot for performance per dollar in the Rega line and for the price, it seemed like a great deal.

I've always loved the simple and elegant (almost Danish styling) of the table.



My Planar 3 has an SME III arm, and as such, I've never owned a Rega with a Rega arm, and I've always been curious as to how much a top-flight Rega arm contributes to the performance of Rega tables. I've read nothing but great things about the RB700 arm, so my guess is that this table will be capable of very high performance for the money. Once I get the P5, my Planar 3 will be going up for sale...

My plan is to fully tweak this table out, so I will be installing my black-anodized GrooveTracer Reference subplatter in it, and I ordered the Rega TT-PSU from the dealer along with the table. Also on deck will be a GrooveTracer counterweight to sling as much mass below the arm as possible as this is always a better configuration than having the center of gravity of the counterweight mass higher up.

Initially, I will likely put my Grace F9 Ruby or Shelter 501 on the P5. Longer term, though, I am particularly interested in a different flavor than what I have with my Koetsu Urushi Vermilion on my Michell Gyro. One thought is a Lyro Delos...but I'm open to suggestions. It will be fun to have a different table with a different "house sound" to mix things up a bit on the analog front.

Should be here in about a week...

[Volks]

Awsome TT! Congratz!

[jwhite613]

PC Congratulations on the new TT. I've been looking at those also. (If I go for a 2nd table). Looking forward to your impressions.

[Rafale]

Stephen, beautiful TT, I recognize very there your Scandinavian tastes

[Jerome W]

Stephen,
Onve again, Congrats on the new addition to the family !
AA has the Rega fever these days !
Those tables are awesome and they are a bargain !

[Rafale]

With what arm is she delivered RB900, RB1000?
it seems that Dynavectors are a very good match with Rega arms

[Jerome W]

Originally Posted by Rafale

With what arm is she delivered RB900, RB1000?
it seems that Dynavectors are a very good match with Rega arms

RB700 I believe.
Only the P9 has the RB1000. Leave the Queen alone please !

I believe that Rega carts are good with Rega arms....I know I'm not very original but I play safe

[jdandy]

Stephen.......Very nice purchase, and a great deal, too. I just looked at the P5 in Gainesville last week. Very attractive turntable. I did not get an opportunity to listen to it, so I am looking forward to your impressions. You are right about the good press the Lyro Delos has been getting. I can also heartily recommend the Ortofon Cadenza Black. I am at about 50 hours on my Cadenza Black, and it is extremely impressive, and opening beautifully as it breaks in.

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by jwhite613

PC Congratulations on the new TT. I've been looking at those also. (If I go for a 2nd table). Looking forward to your impressions.

Jeff,
I hope to have impressions to contribute in about a week or so...once I get the deck in.

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by Rafale

With what arm is she delivered RB900, RB1000?
it seems that Dynavectors are a very good match with Rega arms

The P5 has the RB700 arm, the same as on the P7. The RB1000 is exclusively for the P9.