Turntable Advice Needed


I am looking to move my existing Rega RP3 to a secondary system and upgrade to a new turntable for my primary system. Current setup is a Plinius Hiato integrated with Dynaudio Contour 3.4 speakers. I stream via an Innuous Zenith server and a Lumin T2 streamer. I am extremely happy with the sound I am getting from this setup but think a turntable upgrade might be in order. Since I’ve had the Rega P1 and P3 my first thought was to just upgrade to the new P6. As I know nothing about the “sound” of different turntables I really don’t know what I might be missing. I’m not a big tweaker but just want something that sounds good.  Spending range is probably in the $1,500 -$2,500 range and I will also need a phono preamp. I can be persuaded to spend a bit more but am looking for the best sound/value ratio I can find. I’ve read in some threads that Rega lacks a bit in bass but I really don’t have anything to compare it to.

I would very much appreciate any thoughts/advice folks might be willing to share.

Many thanks


Ag insider logo xs@2xpuppyt

Showing 3 responses by gillatgh

FWIW, Have owned the upgraded (Superscout) VPI Scout from Upscale now for a little over 12 months. To my ears and after a few hours to properly set up the Ortophone M2 Black it is superbly reproducing all my Records in my collection. I am very happy with this turntable and see no changes in the future. It’s been a flawless performer in every regard, for my purposes, which is enjoying my music. Associated equipment are, Rogue Pharaoh Integrated and B&W 803D Speakers and a dust cover (must have). Approximate useage is about 17 hours a week. Performs well above its price range IMO. Not plugging for any product, just stating my experience.
Puppy, much like you I had a budget in mind, which I exceeded by a little. After much research into a variety of brands I settled on VPI. I wanted the biggest bang for my buck. As I already spent more on the turntable than anticipated I chose the best compatible cartridge I could afford. It was a great decision.
Most of the music I listen to is Rock from the 60s thru 90s but also some country and classical, even a little big band stuff (inherited from parents). The turntable and cartridge combination does justice with all genre’s I have tried.
Initial setup was done by upscale and was close but not perfect. I spent probably another 5 or 6 hours over the initial month tweaking the setup, things like Tracking force, Azimuth, VTA until I got it to where it was as close to perfect as I could make it. Actually it was enjoyable as I learned about the table and the possible adjustments and how each affected SQ.
Since then I have not changed any settings. I just listen to the music. One point I’d like to make is that I set my VTA at a setting that I was happy with for all record thicknesses. I did not want to adjust each time a record thickness changed. I’m quite satisfied.
For clarity, I am referring to the souped up VPI Prime Scout only available from Upscale Audio. It is not the standard version Scout.
Hope this is helpful.
@jtsnead, I can say I have had none of the issues with the VPI you mentioned. Found it to be relatively easy to set up and experience no feedback whatsoever.  Agree on the Soundsmith accessory tho, helps with fine tuning azimuth and tracking force. I do not have the 3D arm so cannot comment but the 10.5 arm suits me just fine. No need for the 2nd pivot. No woofer pumping  etc either.
Again not plugging, just my personal experience