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Rega P3 RS, Michell TecnoDec, Avid Ingenium

I sold off my audio system several years ago after having lost my dedicated listening room to a home renovation (thaaaaat's right smiley).  I'm looking to build a new system at a relatively modest level and have been researching turntables in the $2000-$2500 range.  The three I've been most focused on are the Rega P3 RS, the Michell TecnoDec and the Avid Ingenium.  Needless to say it's difficult to listen to all of these turntables in person without traveling around the country, so I was hoping to tap into the collective knowledge of the forum.  If anyone has any opinions on how these turntables compare then I'd love to hear them.  

For reference, I've owned a Planar 3/RB300 in the distant past and really enjoyed it.  I subsequently went to a Linn LP12, then a VPI Aries/SDS/JMW-10 and finally a Basis 2500 Signature/Vector 3.  So, yeah, I'm kind of going backwards at this point but I've given myself a realistic budget and just want something relatively affordable and simple so that I can enjoy my LPs again.

Thanks in advance.

lpluvr
elliottbnewcombjr
7,797 posts
 

Vintage/Classic/Still Awesome

IF close enough to check it out, my Thorens TD124 paired with the SME arm with the Shure V15Vxmr MicroRidge on microwall beryllium tube tracking at only 1.0 g produced the best bass I ever experienced/remember with a TT.

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650277040-thorens-td-124-turntable-with-sme-3009-tonearm/

Sadly, the amazing bearing is susceptible to Vertical motion and my wood floors are too springy so I sold my pair.

This version of the SME arm has removable headshell, they all do not. That arm is simply a gravitational delight. The heavy platter is a beast!

Easy to order a dust cover or change the base/add a cover in the future.

I’ve been buying used AT160ML cartridges with Microline on Gold Plated Beryllium that track at 1.25 g, I would love to hear it on that combo.

IF you have vibration free floor, or can do a wall shelf for the TT, Oh Baby I love my 3 arm TT but I still miss mt TD124/SME. 

You need to let it warm up, adjust the speed using the built in strobe, after that check it every once and a while, perhaps a voltage regulator if your power source varies would keep it more stable after it warms up, I never cared, it always sounded terrific, never more than a spec off perfect speed once warmed up here.

lpluvr OP
93 posts
 

@lewm Point taken.  I'm a bit old school and have never bought an audio component without seeing it/hearing it for myself first.  But that's simply not always possible and a leap of faith will likely be required. 

elliottbnewcombjr
7,797 posts
 

this may be boring looking, but the Sota TT started something, and that easily adjustable tonearm is one of my favorites, I bought one after getting advice here

https://www.ebay.com/itm/236529326267?mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5338381866&toolid=10001&customid=587af696-ddca-11f0-9d3e-353039373734

You could always move that arm to something else in the future, and keep/sell the Sota, it would get you playing LP’s pretty quickly.

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/tonearm-acos-lustre-gst-801-yea-nay?highlight=acos%2Blustre%2Bgst-801

ask seller if he has the alternate counter-weight (sometimes they hold back and sell them separately later).

elliottbnewcombjr
7,797 posts
 

this version: the arm height is adjustable, the current model with an X in it’s part number, arm height is fixed. It has an optional phono preamp, so you can get started with any Line/Aux input, and add a better Phono Stage later.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/358009309056?mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5338381866&toolid=10001&customid=b3441fa0-ddcd-11f0-a3db-353039373734

I used one for a few years during my CD era between my Thorens TD124 and JVC Victor TT81. A lightweight Technics in my mind, certainly a good starter, might find one for less $, but avoid the X version. I actually preferred the sound of it's dinky phono to my McIntosh C28 SS Preamp (even after I had the factory bring it back to specs, to keep or sell it). Sold, McIntosh mx110z found/bought/love it's phono's sound.

lpluvr OP
93 posts
 

@elliottbnewcombjr Thanks for all of the suggestions.  However, I'm not looking for a vintage turntable setup.  At the moment, I'm leaning heavily towards a Rega P-something - either a P3, P3 RS or, possibly, P6 - or the Michell TecnoDec.  

To answer some of your earlier questions:

  • I haven't decided on a cartridge yet.  That will depend on the turntable/arm choice I make.  If I buy a Rega I'll probably end up initially with something like an ND5 or ND7, although I've always preferred MC cartridges in the past.
     
  • I own very few mono LPs, so a dedicated mono cartridge/second tonearm is not really a priority for me.
     
  • Similar situation with the phono stage, I haven't decided yet.  To keep things simple at the outset, I'll likely opt for an integrated amp with an internal phono board, if possible.  That's what I've generally opted for in the past.   Way back when, I owned an Audible Illusions Modulus 3a with the internal MC board.  Even longer ago, an original Naim Nait with MC board.  And more recently (but still a long time ago) a Hovland HP-100 with MC board.  The fewer boxes the better, IMHO.
     
  • You didn't ask what types of music I listen to.  Mostly jazz and classical, with some pop/rock thrown in for good measure.

Thanks again for taking the time to respond to this thread.

 

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