New Rega P10 setup

Thank you everyone for the advice, this site is really a great resource.

Sooooooo, I went with a P10 with Aphelion 2.

I have to admit the amount of positive feedback from so many people regarding the Rega P10 with a Rega cart really had me thinking. Although the LP12 is a great turntable, I’m not a tweaker. And purchasing a open box P10 and trying to match up the right cart with shims is really not what I want to do. I want to listen to my records, and have great sound.

I will post some pics, or a video of the new unit, unboxing and set up, I think others looking at P10s may be interested. I may even set up the LP 12 and the P10 on the same system for comparison.

Thanks people,

Hello,

Most Rega arms are set to work with Rega carts. You will probably need a shim for other carts. I know someone who did several cart changes outside of Rega. Art9, Art 1000, and a few others. You will need a shim to raise the tonearm or level the VTA. Also, I believe Rega uses Stevens instead of Berwald or Lofgren to set up there carts using all three screws. I told a buddy to remove the center screw and set it up using the two more popular methods. Someone told me that Stevens is good for the bid classical crescendos. I like Lofgren and used the Dr. Feikert to setup my turntables. I will tell you the top two carts by Rega are hard to beat but expensive to buy separate. The Alpheta3 is really nice! Tell the cart company you are going to use to tell you the millimeter size shim you will need. Also there is a two piece shim that makes install easier since you do not need to completely remove the Rega Tonearm. I hope this helped. 

"I went with an P10 with Aphelion 2."

You can now get off the merry -go -round until you're ready to dump some serious cash. Now direct audio neurosis towards getting  period, original mint  pressings of what you listen to.

Enjoy.

I own a P10 and bought it used as well.  No issues whatsoever.  Super easy set up.  It's sitting on a regular shelf (nothing audiophile) on a raised foundation.  I experience no foot fall at.  The P10 is super stable and seemingly absorbs the extraneous tremors.  I can't speak to the cart, but I started with the Aphelion 2, downgraded to the Apheta 3, then went crazy and tried something completely different, the Ortofon MC5000.  All 3 sounded great.  The table is the star. 

The XP15 is perfect for it too.  I've had 2 of them and keep looking for a better Phono pre and regret losing the XP15 each time.

@mjmcubfn I agree, Pass Labs XP15 is a great phono stage, I don't even have the urge to go up the XP chain. Pass Labs gear is a great value all around.

Having the Rega P10 and Aphelion in my system for a month now has really taken things to the next level. Very Clear and detailed while listening to my jazz and rock favorite LP's. I agree that the P10 with the Alphelion2 combo may be very slightly on the bright side, but in time, with break in, and right combination of gear and phono settings, as well as some tube rolling on my PS Audio Pre, the sound will even out. The sound overall is fantastic, describing the sound as very slightly bright is splitting hairs, especially playing most of the time with the Klipsch Forte IV's, which may be a little forward.

The P10 sits on a SolidSteel rack I purchased from Crutchfield. There is no issue with footfalls whatsoever. My previous Linn LP12 was very sensitive, and needed to be mounted to the wall. Also, in comparison, the P10's simplicity vs the LP12 is a nice change. I am sure a new, properly set up LP12 will sound amazing. But having a 1980's LP12, that may or may not be set up perfectly, always had me wondering if I was missing out.

I have been swapping Pass Labs amps, Mc240 amp, Klipsch Forte IV and the Sonus Faber Electa Amator, experimenting with the new TT. It's been great fun.

I have invested in some nice gear, have a great sounding system, and really enjoy listening every night, but my room is still the weak link. I have to agree with the premise that good gear in a poor room will never produce the sound one strives for. I have learned the room is equal to any piece of gear in the system, and this piece can hold the entire system back. My plans for a dedicated space are on hold for the time being, but I look forward to that design / build project.