How will you get the EAT clamp on and off with 5" to play with?!
Help me decide between these two turntable/cartridge combinations
In about 6 weeks I plan to pull the trigger on a new turntable/cartridge combination. I have narrowed it down, and am torn between the following two:
· Rega Planar 8 with Apheta 2 Cartridge ($4295)
· EAT C-Sharp with Ortofon Quintet Black ($3,995)
These two turntable/cartridge combinations are at the very limit of what I can spend – in fact the Rega is really pushing the limit. I’m looking at these combinations because of the discount that comes from bundling these cartridges with the turntable – plus they come installed from the factory.
One of the requirements I have is that the turntable must have a low profile – the total height cannot exceed 5.3 inches. This rules out other models like ones from VPI, Pro-Ject, etc.
These two turntables take totally different approaches – with the Rega being very lightweight and rigid, vs. the EAT which weighs three times what the Rega weighs.
The equipment I would be using it with – a Parasound P6 preamp and A21 Power Amplifier, and B&W 702s2 speakers with DB4S Subwoofer. The listening area is a finished basement – wall-to-wall carpeted with padding underneath, on top of concrete, so a good strong foundation is in place.
I listen to about 50% classical, 25% Jazz/Blues and 25% classic rock. Most of my records are fairly high quality – MoFi Original Master Recordings, Deutsche Grammophon, etc.
I’ve searched through this forum – the Rega has received great comments (as well as great reviews from the magazines). Not as much on the EAT, although Absolute Sound was fairly positive. I found it interesting in this forum someone got the EAT and returned it due to mechanical noise/vibration (through the Audio). They replaced it with the Rega P8 which did not have this problem.
One possible concern – I sometimes play my records loud, and my speakers are only about 4-5 feet away from where the turntable is. I’m wondering which of these two might be better under these circumstances. It does not seem to be a problem with my current turntable – a 35 year old Bang and Olufsen 2404 turntable with MMC-2 cartridge.
Comments? Which one would you prefer and why, or would you recommend some other table/cartridge combination that is low profile and under $4,000?- ...
- 22 posts total
I have a rather expensive stereo cabinet that has sentimental value. The top shelf will only accommodate up to about a 5.3 inch tall turntable. The cabinet has a lid that opens and closes, but if the turntable is higher than 5.3 inches, the lid on the cabinet will hit it. So, I would open the lid to access the turntable, then close the lid when not using the turntable. I did look at the Technics 1200G turntable, but it costs $4,000 without a cartridge. I need the cost to top out at about $4,000 including cartridge... |
Go with the EAT table/cartridge over the Rega. Not a big fan of the Ortofon but would still take it over the Rega cartridge. I replaced a VPI HRX table with VPI 12.7 arm with the C-Sharp table and C-Note arm. Wasn't even close. Using an Airtight PC-1 Supreme cartridge the EAT played quieter, warmer bigger sound, and held speed better than the ADS from VPI. It's also been reliable for two years. |
tom_hankins - What are your concerns/dislikes regarding the Apheta 2? You must have some serious issues with it to accept an Ortofon (which you are also not a fan of) over the Apheta 2. What are they? |
- 22 posts total