McIntosh MT5 vs Rega 8 or 10

@bwguy, I'm using the Apheta 3 MC cartridge on my P10.  My phono stage is a Luxman EQ-500.  I had an Apheta 2 on my RP10.  When I upgraded to the P10 I went with the Apheta 3.   I think the "3" quite a bit better than the "2".  Many of the rave reviews of the P10 used the Apheta 3.  I quite happy with the P10/Apheta 3 with no desire to change. Put the money you save by not buying the Aphelion into the best phono stage that you can afford.

I have owned both the Rega P8 and P10 at the same time, both are fine tables and well built and engineered, of the 2 I kept the P8 and upgraded from the P10 to Pure Fidelity Harmony and origin live arm/dynavector cart, and in fairness to the p10 its more money, of the 2 the P8 is a better value...(my opinion).

You have to start somewhere, maybe get the P8 with say exact2 cart, find a good dealer 1st.....live with that for awhile and hopefully dealer can loan you a p10, usually with apheta mk3 cart, and stepup if you dont have one.

If to your ears its much better....you know which direction to go, if you aren't sure about the differences....you have your table set up. 

In addition to my P10, I also have a much more expensive TT, a Linn LP12 upgraded in December 2022 to the latest TOTL LP12 with Radikal 2 power supply and the latest DC motor, Karousel bearing, Ekos SE arm, and Keel subchassis. I think the P10 is the way to go in the Rega line up. The Rega engineers made significant improvements to the P10 over the P8. Also I would get the Apheta 3 MC cartridge over the Exact 2. The P10 is good enough to be an end game turntable for most audiophiles in my opinion.

Here’s an interesting video comparing the P8 and P10 and why this speaker designer/engineer chose the P10 over the P8 to demo his speakers to potential customers wanting to hear his speakers.

@bwguy That’s the thing about Clear Audio, you can spend as much as you want. I will say that if you’re around the entry level, upgrading the tonearm is a good idea if it’s financially feasible. The table matters too but the primary issues concerning the table is consistent and precise speed and an isolated motor so that it won’t create vibrations. I’ve never heard of any of those issues concerning any Clear Audio table. It would help to have an external motor, which I attribute to why I only hear good things about VPI. Lastly, you won’t need a record mat with the Clear Audio.

Thanks everyone for your help.  I decided to go with A Clear Audio Performance table.  I got a great deal on a lightly used titanium cartridge.  Can’t wait to get it!