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Which turntable is better?

 I am considering my first turntable and having difficulty deciding between Technics 1500C, Audio Technica LP8X, Music Hall Stealth, Mofi Ultradeck or Rega Planer 6. My budget is 2K to 2.5K. I understand all the diferences in these tables as far as belt drive versus direct drive and semi automatic functions etc. but wanted to know from others experiences with these? I will probably upgrade cartridge from what is supplied. I don't have to have built in phono stage as my integrated, Unison Research Unico Due has one onboard.

robertq
Post removed 
faustuss's avatar
faustuss
846 posts
 

@robertq 

This one - https://www.rega.co.uk/products/planar-3-rs-edition

jngrausr
10 posts
 

I have both the stealth and the ultradeck. (My third is a Thorens td320 mkiii). The Thorens is my favorite. The Stealth is almost perfect. The Ultradeck is phenomenal.

Thorens has a beautiful resonance and terrific synergy with theTD90 tonearm. You can run any cartridge on it.

The Stealth is a near perfect design and direct drive is so effortless and easy. The tonearm is a little flimsy but I have found you can get the most out of it with a fairly heavy headshell/cart. It has an ink black background which would likely improve with a linear power supply.

The ultradeck is really hefty. It has a huge soundstage. The mofi carts are solid. The 10" tonearm gives it authority. It has audiophile interconnects and a really nice motor. The on/off button is in a bad place and the belt is a little slippery.

Buy a vintage tt before you buy new but if you buy new get the stealth and a really nice cart like a nagaoka mp-300 or 500 (if you listen to rock and jazz).

triton20trx
86 posts
 

Rega all day.  Pickup a used P8 on The Music Room if you can swing it. Around $3000 w/cartridge.  Wonderful sound, simple, rugged. 

musikcrayz
16 posts
 

I own both the Technics 1210 GR and a Music Hall Stealth. Both are positively reviewed by multiple sources. Apart from the ridiculous position of the power outlet and RCA cable connections on the Technics ,the table is quite musical and easy to set up. A true 1200 in terms of weight and torque supplied with the core-less motor. Using the Stealth ,my only complaint is the UV sensitive auto shut down feature. Absolutely useless and should be disabled ( a mere rear switch). Not as robust as the GR however a more nuanced sound IMHO. I never used the supplied cartridge in favor of a Hana and a Nagaoka MP300. Obviously I prefer direct drive. 
 The Technics GR2 can be found  within your price range and is a better table than either the Stealth or GR. A much better choice than the 1500c unless you need a built in phono preamp. Regas are sweet but adjusting the VTA  is a chore. Enjoy the ride. 
  

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