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
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.
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@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. |
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/products/planar-8
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/
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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 they use light grey ink on white paper for the Planar 8 manual, curses be upon them.
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Robertq, ANOTHER vote for Rega Planer 3 or 6. Simple to set up and use. For me, the Regas suck me into the groove and feeling of the record better than most TT under 5k. More emotional involvement with music than the Technics or Music Hall. Nobody is recommending the Audio Technica LP8X because of what I consider a sterile, bland sound quality and so so tonearm. The Rega tonearm is better than the others for better recorded, more complex music, classical/jazz/world music. If 90% of your listening is to mainstream Pop/Rock from the 70s/80s/90s you won’t hear much difference. |
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