Nottingham Spacedeck vs Rega Planar 8 vs Technics SL1200G


Hey Everyone,

An analogue newbie needs your advice.

Firstly I am not looking for any TT recommendations other than these 3.

My system is Devore O96, and the amplification would be either Lyngdorf 3400/Coincident Frankenstein combo or a Shindo pre/amp combo (forthcoming). The phono stage is TBD.

The sound I like is rich, full-bodied, with a good bass (I love percussion, and the double-bass instrument and  Mingus is my fav jazz artist). I am very sensitive to even a hint of brightness. I don't care about the typical audiophile presentation -- gobs of detail and soundstage but no soul.

My music of choice is jazz, vocals and small-scale instrumentals. No rock, no pop, no western classical.

Would love your thoughts on these 3 choices.

Since I am a newbie, easy setup is big win, which might tilt me towards the Rega or Technics, but with Nottingham I have a great dealer support that I would completely miss out on if I went with Technics (no Technics dealer in a 5000 mile radius).

I used to own a Rega RP6, so am familiar with Rega sound, and like it. But my RP6 was bested by my DAC (AMR DP-777) so sold it a few years ago. So I want a TT that will compete with any sub-10000$ DAC.

Looking forward to your thoughts that will help me scratch my analog itch.


essrand
Thanks.  I thought the same thing. I doubt the mat will slip as it is quite a tight fit over the spindle.  I am going to leave it as is as it sounds so good.  That HRS weight must have been Uber expensive. 
So, I received the Oracle mat and the Project record weight for my Technics SL1200G. I found that the whole presentation is enhanced with the bass being much more solid. My question to Ralph or others, should I remove the sticky backing on the underside of mat and stick to my platter or leave the covering on? I'm afraid if I stick the mat down, I won't be able to easily remove it if I need to remove the platter. What do you guys and girls think?
Here is my recommendation: Do not install the three screws that are used to fix the platter to the motor spindle. Remove the sticky back and apply the pad to the platter. The platter is thus still removable and already has a snug fit on the motor spindle so no worries. But you will find that the sound improves- the coupling of the platter to the pad is important. This will allow the platter pad to work better with the damping system that already exists on the platter.

Yes, you'll have to destroy the platter pad to remove it. But I think you will find that the resulting turntable is so good that it takes on challengers much more expensive; IOW it will be years or never that you will have any need to remove the pad.
Atmasphere, you do not fasten the platter to the motor assembly on the 1200G?
Atmasphere, you do not fasten the platter to the motor assembly on the 1200G?
No- IMO/IME the platter pad is more important and you can't get to the screws if its in place.