). 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. @elliottbnewcombjr I think I've been using mentions correctly here, but I apologize if I've gotten it wrong in earlier posts. It's the first thread I've created on this forum.
Why Rega? A few reasons: I've owned a Planar 3/RB300 in the (distant) past and enjoyed the 'table. The simplicity of the Rega turntable 'system' is also appealing at this point. I've spent decades playing around with high-end audio gear, reviewing gear for some small audio publications etc. At this point I just want to spend time enjoying/rediscovering my LP collection rather than thinking about the hardware. So the ultimate flexibility in mixing/matching gear is of less importance to me.
That said, I do wish that the Rega arms had a more convenient way to adjust VTA. Spacers 'work', but they aren't the most elegant of solutions. OTOH, I don't consider the lack of a removable headshell a negative. The fewer electrical connections between the cartridge and the tonearm the better, IMHO. Most high-end turntable manufacturers seem to agree. The lack of a clamp to physically couple the LP to the platter is another negative of the Rega in my book. But Roy Gandy has his own way of thinking and it's hard to argue with his long-term success. Not ideal, but not a showstopper.