Rega P25 w/orig Exact Cart - good? + mV question

Thanks. I'm inclined to agree with Goatwuss here. I was implying the owners know nothing about the cartridge life, not the whole thing. They do know that it's an expensive turntable because it's found it's way to a hi-fi shop. They don't normally deal with turntables, so they're willing to deal a little here. If I had found the estate itself, I may have been able to get a whole slew of really nice stuff cheap.

Asking price was $950 originally and they have offered it to me for $800. I'd like to get it for $700 not knowing about the remaining life expectency of the cartridge. I'll let you know what happens!

So, discussion about which cart is best aside, how can I know if the existing cart is viable once I have the unit? Seems to me you'd need a microscope and someone who knows what they're looking for.

I went back and took a closer look at the unit and I'm really not sure on the value of this package now. The guy who could make a decision wasn't there so it gave me a good opportunity to come back and chat with everyone on the board one more time. Here's the package.

- Rega P25 with EXACT cartridge (8/10 rating EXCEPT: original platter is missing...)
Instead, the unit comes with the following:
-Sheer Audio Acrylic Platter
-Funk Acroplat Platter

Also comes with:
-JA Mitchell aluminum/silver colored record clamp
-Tranquility Base 1 (can't find any info on this isolation base anywhere).

The missing Rega platter is about a $135 replacement part, so do the other platters offset that in your opinions?

Also, if I remove the platter and the belt and free-spin the subplatter, it stops rather quickly. I don't even think it makes two revolutions on its own. Is that normal? I was thinking it would have less resistance.

I'm still thinking $700 might be a fair offer for both parties, but I'm looking for some guidance here. -Thanks!

Thanks everyone for your help!

I brought the table home today and think I got a good deal! And the original glass platter was there after all. It was just hidden under another platter and I didnt see it at first.

I ended up paying $750 for the Rega 25 (with Glass Platter), Exact cartridge, Funk Acromat, Sheer Audio Platter, a Ringmat, JA Mitchell Solid Anodized Aluminum Record Clamp, and a Tranquility Base 1 (which I can't find any info on, but it's nice). I got all the paperwork and original receipts for everything (no boxes unforuntately but I can't gripe at $750).

I think I did pretty darned good!!!! I'm stoked to get it hooked up -- hopefully my Sunday project.

The cartrige install protracter is missing and so is the original felt mat.

Since I got the Ringmat, do I need the felt mat or is the Ringmat a suitable replacement? The Ringmat isn't as large as an LP so I don't know if I really like it. Is the Ringmat a good enough barrier between the platter and records??? I'm thinking I'll order a new felt mat.

@Viridian: I actually misstated a little. I don't have an Acromat. I have a Funk Acroplat Platter. The only mat I have for the glass platter is the ringmat. The original mat is gone.

@Slanski62 and Viridian: Thank you for the information on where to get a protractor.

@Goatwuss: You say the acrylic platters are designed to be used without a mat. How about the Acroplat Platter?

It looks like I have several options:

Glass with Ringmat
Acroplat Platter alone
Acrylic Platter alone

Does it make sense to also try the Acroplat Platter and the Acrylic platter with the Ringmat?

Finally, what exactly am I listening for when I try these different platters? Is the difference going to be obvious with casual listening or is this a difference I'm only going to pick up when listening to the same track of music on the different platters consecutively while sitting in the sweet spot at the ideal volume level and my ears freshly cleaned out?

So far I'm very happy. Took me a little longer to get mine set up because I had to fish some wires, but I'm very happy so far. I think I put 6 hours on it today! Broke out a wide variety of stuff I hadn't heard in years. Elvis, Al Hirt, Spyro Gyra, Herb Alpert, Stan Getz... I'm lucky to live near one of the greatest record stores around, so I think I'll be spending some time there soon.