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Rega, Pro-Ject, Technics SL-1200

A few months ago I bought a SL-1200 M3D and put a Shure M97xe cartridge on it soon after. Its not nearly broke in but I have to say while it sounds ok its not what I consider "audiophile" quality or at least not yet. And in no way is this a slam against the 1200. A buddy of mine let me borrow his Pro-Ject RM5.1SE that comes with the MC Sumiko Blue Point and 9" carbon fiber tone arm. Honestly after comparing the 2 last night the Pro-Ject was the clear winner. Not that the Technics sounds bad at all but I would say rather on the thin or edgy in comparison. My question is how does Rega lets say a P3 or P5 compare to the RM5.1SE? What is each mfg house sound? I know the Technics can be upgraded by KAB but not sure its worth the cost or time. I am just getting into vinyl so not really too experienced when it comes to different manufacturers and value per dollar. Seems the Rega has more upgrade path from what I've seen. The RM5.1SE does sound very sweet but not sure how it would compare against a P3 or P5?
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samzx12 OP
1,216 posts
 
LOL Stringreen. I actually heard Del Monte tomato paste made better isolation platforms. I do have cats so I better make sure I have a dustcover :) Any suggestions?
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,368 posts
 
Sam...you think I'm kidding or out of my mind don't you. I actually made lots of money with these cans as an idea to create a company that sold the end result of the idea to audiophiles all over the country.
lindisfarne
511 posts
 
Sam: I've owned the P3, P5 and Project Perspective. Pick of the litter? Tough call. All good.
boofer
86 posts
 
I have had Music Hall 5.1, Project expression III, Rega P3, P5, RP6, and RP8. I also have a Technics SL 1200, original not MK II. I compare all these with the 13 cartridges I have, the Technics vs. the modern belt drives mentioned above. My conclusion is the Technics is about their equal, but the cartridges have to be equal as well. The Shure M97 is not in the same category as the Sumiko you mentioned. You'd have to put the Sumiko on the Technics for a fair comparison, and if you did, I bet you'd be surprised.My comparisons always involve the turntables playing directly against each other, installed in the same cabinet, with phonostage having 2 inputs.
inna
7,132 posts
 
Yeah, unlike Spacedeck, Interspace's motor is not isolated. But even with the Spacedeck I put one small Walker Audio resonance control disc next to the motor to absorb vibration. The difference was quite audible though not dramatic. I think, I will try another one on the other side of the motor or near the armboard. With the Interspace the effect might be bigger. Those discs are $50 each directly from Walker, good stuff if you don't overdo it.
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