New Rega Planer 8 (P8) Turntable - Apheta 2 Cartridge Combo - Thoughts

@fsmithjack Hey Frank,

It's good to see all your positive energy! I recall the same from some of your threads when you were working on your digital setup.

@bdp24 makes some great points, before investing more, just be sure you are truly excited about the hobbyist ritualistic aspects of getting good sound from vinyl. The way I look at it, it's more fun cleaning records than editing my metadata and backing up files, but just as important. 

I've got two strong suggestions for you:

1) Please don't spend $5k on a Rega cartridge! Especially any time soon. I would argue don't think about making ANY changes in gear until you have mastered a cleaning regimen, resolved any setup issues(e.g. grounding, hum, cartridge setup), learned about adjusting arm height for VTA to get the best from each LP. Don't sell what you have until you're confident you know what you already own is capable of. When you do consider a cartridge upgrade, few would suggest that particular item as being your best option at that price point.

2) Record cleaning is vital, full of widely varying suggestions. Many come from those who speak from ignorance, having not tried the most effective methods, happy to say "this works fine, my records look clean". Don't settle because SOTA results don't have to cost more than many spend on conventional vacuum machine solutions. Ultrasonic cleaning is a true game changer. Please read this article and thread and follow it's advice as your budget and preferences for manual/auto allow. 
https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/rushton-s-diy-approach-to-ultrasonic-record-cleaning-publishe...
It will make a huge difference, even on new records, which often have crap in the grooves deposited during manufacturing. Clicks and pops are the result of dirty records and static. A great cleaning regimen, placing the newly cleaned LPs in a MOFI or similar sleeve, and a Zero-stat gun will eliminate the vast majority of clicks and pops and make a huge step towards enjoying your new rig or any that you try down the road. Cheers,
Spencer 

@fsmithjack Frank,
Read the article I posted earlier in the thread. There is your recommendation for record cleaning machine, the chemicals to use with it and links as to where to get them. Yes, you can get the whole deal like I did for about $500. This will far outperform the Nitty Gritty, Okki Nokki, the VPI 16.5(I used to own one and used it for years before discovering ultrasonic cleaning). This approach will get you 95% of the performance of the Kirmuss, the Audio Desk or the other four-figure machines. You save because you have to put a bit more effort into the cleaning process...like cooking a meal from scratch vs. popping restaurant takeout into the microwave and pushing a button. Cheers,
Spencer

- Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
- Mobile Fidelity Record Brush
- MOBILE FIDELITY - Record Inner Sleeves (50Pk)
- Record Doctor V - Record Cleaning Machine

Go cheap or used on the record cleaning machine as you suggested, then go for the DIY ultrasonic & Vinyl Stack when you get more LPs.

Magic Eraser is the bomb! Just be sure to lower the stylus into it. Don't hold it in your hand and scrape the stylus like you would with a brush. For convenience and safety cut a piece of Magic Eraser and affix it to a quarter. Store it in a box or ziplock bag to keep dust off it. Cheers,
Spencer

@fsmithjack 
Frank, @mulveling makes many good points. I would agree that the Verdier is a solid table, the Herron would beat the Chinook and that the Hana might not be all that.
Somebody just listed a Sota Cosmos IV for $4k, that is a fine option. I would have it shipped straight to Sota for repair/upgrade eval for $100 and go from there. Plenty of tonearm options based on your preferences and budget. 
Cartridge / tonearm matching will be important to get correct resonance freq. I would rather see you get a Dynavector, Ortofon or Lyra to go with a table of the quality discussed. Cheers,
Spencer 

Frank,
3 strikes but you are not out.
The comments suggesting a wall shelf are a  good idea. Once I solved similar issue by reinforcing the floor by putting a couple of  2x4 lengths of wood (cheap pine will do) in the basement or crawl space as joists directly under the audio rack. Just cut the length an extra inch long and then pound them into place with a rubber mallet from floor to ceiling. Problem solved for about ten bucks!

As for the choice of table, arm & cart, I am sorry to say, but all 3 choices were meh at best. Most of the recommendations I read on that gear is from folks who haven't owned better quality tables. They are frequently stepping stones of the inexperienced or those without the budget flexibility you have. The suggestions from the most analog experienced weren't your choices. You might need to accept the fact that great arbitrage opportunities to flip for quick profit won't be there on the best sonic options, as fewer will be available, and the market will be more stable.

I  would suggest considering the rest of the system that is used by those with the tables /carts you are pondering. With the quality of your gear and your high standards, if rest isn't the same level, then why would you expect the analog setup to be? Ask yourself if you are considering a setup that discerning listeners end up with, not step up from. That is certainly achievable in your budget.

 The other thing to do is make a greater effort to go listen to more top analog gear and be sure to hear some that really wow you. Then you will have a far better understanding of what is possible. If nothing wows you...you know the verdict. Given your quick trigger finger and nature toward quick judgement consider a used or demo cartridge, because it will already be broken in. That could make all the difference in your case.
Cheers,
Spencer 

@fsmithjack So what did you decide, Frank? 

In case you are still considering the Platine/Schick/Winfield I checked the specs and the compliance(16) is a good match with the effective mass of the arm. Cheers,
Spencer