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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
oberoniaomnia
363 posts
 

@lpluvr Completely agree on a stack of separates of same performance as single-box integrated will be costing more. OTOH, *in general* the phonostage in an integrated is rather an afterthought than the main attraction. Built-in PS with loading adjustments or different gain settings are at best rare in the $5K-ish range, but are common in >$500 separate PS (not all, I know, but there are plenty of them). Again, broad generalization, yet an r-squared of at least 0.8.

Good luck keeping the GAS under control! But above all, enjoy your vinyl. 

lpluvr OP
95 posts
 

@oberoniaomnia You're probably right, I suspect my choices in integrateds with high-quality phono stages will be more limited than in the past. 

It seems like UK audio manufacturers, like Sugden, Musical Fidelity, Exposure, etc. may be the last bastion of integrateds with good phono stages, although these brands have a relatively small presence in the US.

elliottbnewcombjr
7,810 posts
 

A Denon DD lightly used with new MC cartridge, $2,150

height adjustable arm, removable headshell, 

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650198879-denon-dp-a100-100th-anniversary-turntable-w-full-accessories-amp-110-anniversary-cart/

https://assets.denon.com/documentmaster/us/dp-a100_lit1206.pdf

elliottbnewcombjr
7,810 posts
 

hmmm

seems there is an alignment issue with that Denon’s Tonearm, from AI:

"However, the turntable has received mixed reviews. While some users appreciate its robust construction, elegant design, and strong performance—particularly with the DL-A100 cartridge—others have raised concerns. A notable issue involves cartridge alignment: the supplied headshell does not allow for proper Baerwald geometry alignment, resulting in high lateral tracking-angle error and rendering the turntable’s potential performance difficult to realize. This problem has led to criticism that the tonearm design may be flawed or that Denon intended a different alignment method, though no alternative protractor was provided in the review."

more dislike, I am sorry I posted it, what a shame Denon blew it.

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/denon-dp-a100-is-it-that-bad

jwillox
211 posts
 

I’ve had the Rega P3 for 5 or 6 years. 
Moved my Signet TK10 ML and was very impressed. 
changed to an Audio Technica ART 9xi and have hit a place where I feel I get the best from my vinyl. 
 

like the OP said, you can’t go wrong with the Rega - I concur. 

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