Congratulations on your RP8/Apheta 2 purchase. I own the RP10 with the Apheta 2 and like it. Originally, I purchased the RP6 with the Exact 2 cartridge and did not like that at all. Ultimately, I bought a NOS Apheta for the RP6 and it sounds much better.
The Rega is easy to set up; just make sure the surface is level. You just need a small level (left to right and then front to back). The Rega has 3 adjustable feet that willl allow you to get the level correct.
While I like the Apheta 2, it is very particular when it comes to how much weight goes from the stylus to the record, and you can't rely on Rega's guide on the tonearm. I bought an inexpensive stylus pressure gauge (scale), and run the Apheta2 right at 1.75 grams. It sound very nice there. Too much or too little weight will make the cartridge sound terrible, though.
I found a ClearAudio Smart Matrix Pro record cleaning machine for $750 on Audiogon, and have been very happy with that purchase. I think it's among the best of the non cavitation record cleaning machines. It lists for $1,600, but I have seen them generally under $1,000 on Audiogon. So, I would increase your planned spending to get the ClearAudio.
When you install the Rega, make sure you put the power supply away from the table itself. I run mine on the next lower shelf, about 2 feet from the table and it works fine.
During these dry winter months, be really careful for static electricity with the Rega-- make sure you mute your preamp before you mess with the tonearm. I got a big blue spark on my old unit before figuring that out.
Lots of people don't like Rega's and I can't figure out why. Mike Fremer from Sterophile gives the Rp8 or Rp10 an A or A- rating and says it does a good job on classical music, but less so on rock. I tend to agree with that assessment, but I listen to classical on my turntable and rock on the CD player anyway.
Hope this is helpful.
The Rega is easy to set up; just make sure the surface is level. You just need a small level (left to right and then front to back). The Rega has 3 adjustable feet that willl allow you to get the level correct.
While I like the Apheta 2, it is very particular when it comes to how much weight goes from the stylus to the record, and you can't rely on Rega's guide on the tonearm. I bought an inexpensive stylus pressure gauge (scale), and run the Apheta2 right at 1.75 grams. It sound very nice there. Too much or too little weight will make the cartridge sound terrible, though.
I found a ClearAudio Smart Matrix Pro record cleaning machine for $750 on Audiogon, and have been very happy with that purchase. I think it's among the best of the non cavitation record cleaning machines. It lists for $1,600, but I have seen them generally under $1,000 on Audiogon. So, I would increase your planned spending to get the ClearAudio.
When you install the Rega, make sure you put the power supply away from the table itself. I run mine on the next lower shelf, about 2 feet from the table and it works fine.
During these dry winter months, be really careful for static electricity with the Rega-- make sure you mute your preamp before you mess with the tonearm. I got a big blue spark on my old unit before figuring that out.
Lots of people don't like Rega's and I can't figure out why. Mike Fremer from Sterophile gives the Rp8 or Rp10 an A or A- rating and says it does a good job on classical music, but less so on rock. I tend to agree with that assessment, but I listen to classical on my turntable and rock on the CD player anyway.
Hope this is helpful.