Rega RP8 vs Clearaudio Concept

I don't know about getting platter specific. Either way, VPI is a solid option. I would be more concerned with the complete package:table/cart/phonostage.

A Rega will be  more plug and play. VPI can be no fuss-after a little attention to setup. If you don't mind used, there is always something interesting in the listings.

You may find something nicer than a new $2k retail unit.

To use any of the above turntables you need a very solid stand preferably with a granite top on a concrete floor. If you have a standard wooden floor you will have to get a wall shelf or you will be bouncing tonearms all over the place. The Rega and Clearaudio have pretty much the same performance. The cartridge is going to determine the sound to a much greater degree. Get a SOTA Jewell and you will be able to set an A bomb off in front of it and nothing will happen even on a wood floor with a crappy shelf. www.sotaturntables.com  The only other turntables that compare with the SOTA are SME and Basis both considerably more jing. A turntable must be quiet, accurate and isolated. These are the only three turntables that meet that requirement under all conditions. Also with the SOTA you get to pick your tonearm, one to match the cartridge you like. Put an SME 4 on there with a Lyra Delos and you will be in heaven. All the crap about how a turntable sounds is BS. A proper turntable should not sound at all. As for Michael Fremer, he likes whatever the most expensive item is as long as he gets a deal on it. God bless him.  He certainly has the largest record collection I know of. By the way the Syrinx PU 3 was the original SAT tonearm. If you can find one used in good shape it is an amazing arm.


 

Thanks everyone so I have a unique setup with my audio rack on a brick fireplace hearth so vibrations don't seem to be an issue. I was hoping to keep it around 2k. tablejockey mentioned phonostage and presently I just have a MusicHall PA1.2 Probably will need to upgrade that too. I liked the fact that the VPI was a USA product, seems built like a tank although I've never heard one reviews are stellar. Saw a Scoutmaster (now sold) so I lost that one. There is a Scout2 for about that price. Anyone know about that table? I will look at the Sota probably can't afford the SME. Thanks for all the help!!

I listened to one of these in my system.
https://www.mofielectronics.com/ultradeck-turntable

IMO,  very competitive table/cart setup at your budget(assuming discount from MSRP)

A no fuss setup out of the box. Worthy of a future cart upgrade,f you decide to move up. 

The threads and  reviews are positive as well.

No experience with the Rega.  I had the Concept and really liked the looks and sound of the table, but I have bouncy floors and it is probably the worst table I've owned as far as being sensitive to footfalls, so it had to go.  It sounds like you can put it on something solid, so you should be fine.  I have heard the Ultradeck and I really liked it.  The rest of the components were all different from how I heard to Concept, so I can't say which is "better", but I personally would lean towards the Ultradeck.