Upgrade question. Rega RP3 or RP6.


Hello,

I am ready to upgrade my set up.
I am debating between a Rega RP3 and RP6 with the stock Rega cartridges. I listen to a variety of music with a large portion of my collection being punk rock. The one thing my current set up is lacking on is bass.

*Will I hear a huge difference in sound quality with one of theses over my current turntable?

*What is your opinion on RP3 with upgrades VS stock RP6?

*Will I notice a huge difference between a stock RP3 & RP6 on my current 2 channel receiver/speaker set up?

*Will a pre-amp sound better over the phono input on my receiver?

*Can anyone recommend a shop in the Los Angles area that demos Rega?

Thank you for any input you can provide on my questions.
gregdreg

Showing 2 responses by tortilladc

Brooks Berdan in Monrovia usually has both those models in stock and those folks are always lovely to deal with. Also Acoustic Image in studio city is a Rega dealer (with an amazing listening studio) and Elliot is a class act who specializes in turntable setup. Either of them will take care of you.

Personally, I own the RP6 with a sumiko blackbird cart. Most Rega dealers are really down on Rega's stock carts so you'll likely hear that from them. My friend bought the RP3 but our systems are so different in all other respects I couldn't really tell you the difference in sound. The RP6 I think has a different platter and also includes the outboard power supply (but you can upgrade the RP3 later to the same).

Either one is a lovely turntable that basically requires very little if no effort to operate once you have everything setup. A lot of people are down on Rega turntables because of that but I'm in the set it and forget it camp.
If you're going to visit Acoustic Image, call/email first. It's out of his home so not suitable for drop-ins.

Also I should note my friend who bought the RP3 listens almost exclusively to punk, metal (primarily death metal), and some shoegaze. he loves the RP3 and plays it through Wharfedales.

best of luck!