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

@foggyus91     Congrats on finding vinyl nirvana with a 40+ year old Thorens. The vast majority of vintage decks are not in pristine cosmetic or operating condition. Repairs are costly and possibly unavailable on many vintage turntables, A new entry level player with warranty is simply the better choice. As noted I said most vintage TT are obsolete were not debating the quality of a Kenwood L-07D.

Is the Audio Technica LP8X worth $1299 compared to other tables in that price range or is it overhyped? Only one person has mentioned it and said basically it is poor man's Technics

@robertq     Technics is known for making quality direct drive turntables but one must consider all entry level tables are built to a price point. Yes, even Technics cuts quality on entry level decks(sorry fanboys!) I would disregard any negative comments concerning Audio Technica. At your price point of < $2500 focus on the tonearm quality not brand or direct/belt drive. Why? Cartridge upgrade potential. The LP8X that you mentioned appears to have a very generic tonearm for a $1300 table where the $2k LPA2 tonearm appears several levels superior providing a much longer usage time.

@elliottbnewcombjr 

"Nd9 is not compatible with non-Rega tonearms due to its 3-point mounting system"

This absolutely is not true, the only difference is the locating screw ahead of the conventional cartridge mounting screws, all you have to do is align it like you would any other cartridge. Their cartridges will work with any arm that accommodates VTA adjustment and Rega's cartridge height dimensions. I believe all Rega cartridges weigh 6 grams.

https://www.rega.co.uk/

https://www.rega.co.uk/products/planar-8

"Anyone know the channel separation and channel balance specs of Rega Cartridges? Post a link please. Thanks"

I doubt any of the following will give you what you’re looking for regarding Rega cartridge specs because I think they’re deliberately vague on the subject as they are with all their products specs. I did provide the direct link to their site so you can peruse it yourself. The rest of the links are to the English publications of The Ear and AV Forum.

https://the-ear.net/news/rega-nd3-neodymium-moving-magnet/

https://the-ear.net/review-hardware/rega-nd3-redefines-budget-mm-cartridge/

https://the-ear.net/review-hardware/rega-nd5-moves-the-mm-goal-posts/

https://the-ear.net/news/nd7-the-ultimate-rega-mm-cartridge/

https://the-ear.net/review-hardware/rega-nd7-takes-on-the-best-in-class/

https://the-ear.net/news/rega-nd9-boron-cantilever-mm-shocker/

https://the-ear.net/review-hardware/rega-nd9-the-accidental-masterpiece/

https://www.avforums.com/reviews/rega-nd7-moving-magnet-cartridge-review.22088/

 

@faustuss 

thanks for all the links, my ’not compatible' quote came from Rega itself

webster’s definition of synonym: REGA = Deliberately Vague

here’s their specs for the top of the ND line ND9

Specifications:

Type: moving magnet cartridge
Body: PPS
Cantilever: boron
Stylus: fine line nude diamond
Tracking pressure: 1.75g
Input load impedance: 47kOhms
Nominal output voltage: 5-6mV
Channel balance: not specified
Separation : not specified

Mass: 6gm

they use light grey ink on white paper for the Planar 8 manual, curses be upon them.