New Rega Planer 8 (P8) Turntable - Apheta 2 Cartridge Combo - Thoughts

jperry

Yeah that's great buddy thanks for your great advice.

I know I am a newbie to vinyl and I guess should expect those kind of shots when I put myself out there asking for help like this but whatever.

I will push through and get my head around it and see if this vinyl thing is legit or not.

One my 2nd try I had this super nice person come over to my house and spend 4 hours trying to get my system right. He would not take a penny so I could not ask him to come back. I even offered him a $700 power cable for his time but he was too nice and would not accept.

People like him is why I am asking for some with some idea's on here.  

@fsmithjack Hey Frank,

It's good to see all your positive energy! I recall the same from some of your threads when you were working on your digital setup.

@bdp24 makes some great points, before investing more, just be sure you are truly excited about the hobbyist ritualistic aspects of getting good sound from vinyl. The way I look at it, it's more fun cleaning records than editing my metadata and backing up files, but just as important. 

I've got two strong suggestions for you:

1) Please don't spend $5k on a Rega cartridge! Especially any time soon. I would argue don't think about making ANY changes in gear until you have mastered a cleaning regimen, resolved any setup issues(e.g. grounding, hum, cartridge setup), learned about adjusting arm height for VTA to get the best from each LP. Don't sell what you have until you're confident you know what you already own is capable of. When you do consider a cartridge upgrade, few would suggest that particular item as being your best option at that price point.

2) Record cleaning is vital, full of widely varying suggestions. Many come from those who speak from ignorance, having not tried the most effective methods, happy to say "this works fine, my records look clean". Don't settle because SOTA results don't have to cost more than many spend on conventional vacuum machine solutions. Ultrasonic cleaning is a true game changer. Please read this article and thread and follow it's advice as your budget and preferences for manual/auto allow. 
https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/rushton-s-diy-approach-to-ultrasonic-record-cleaning-publishe...
It will make a huge difference, even on new records, which often have crap in the grooves deposited during manufacturing. Clicks and pops are the result of dirty records and static. A great cleaning regimen, placing the newly cleaned LPs in a MOFI or similar sleeve, and a Zero-stat gun will eliminate the vast majority of clicks and pops and make a huge step towards enjoying your new rig or any that you try down the road. Cheers,
Spencer 

A record clamp is usually not used with Rega turntables Though if an old used record (not the op's!) are dish warped.. On a Rega they WILL almost stop turning... Then I use the weight from my Kuzma to hold down the LP. (So it turns with the platter properly) But otherwise no clamp.                             
The op also states : on the Rega Aphelion. It is the only Rega update I can make.  You can use ANY (compatible) cartridge. The Rega carts have three mounting points. others have two. The normal situation is two, You CAN mount a two point mount cartridge on a Rega. I use a Benz Glider.                        
Handle the record by the edges. IT can take a bit of practice to lift a record off a moving platter and flip it over and put back... Without dropping it, or touching the grooves. but to old LP users it is second nature.

sbank
Hey Spencer!
Thanks so much! Great info. I am going to read it all and follow this advice now and get a good record cleaner and some nice sleeves and do it the right way. Thank you

No I am not going to get the $5000 Rega cart anytime soon. My point was more that they offer no other ones to upgrade from between what I have. I got a really good deal in the P8 / Apheta 2 combo and an even better deal on my Sutherland Engineering Duo phonostage so I am excited about trying to get this right.

My hope for now is get it sounding good enough that I enjoy and want to listen more and then work on picking up 2 or 3 new records a week and see where it goes.

I have read about cleaning. I would like to start with something in the $500ish range if that is possible and go from there. Is that too low and those are junk or are they ok? I will also get the fluids if they don't come with it and some sleeves. 

So basically you wash the record then play it. Make sure it is dry of course.

Is there a stylus cleaner you recommend. I see there are those little brushes that you need to make sure you only rub the way the records goes. Then I saw those ones that you just drop the needle on and move a little and drop back down that the crud sticks too? What one of these do you recommend? 
Thanks