Fsmithjack,
Not being there and hearing your set up, my comments are obviously speculation.
I say misguided precisely because of the break-in. Apheta 2 definitely takes > 50 hours and is also very sensitive to VTF. Sounds dynamic early on but anemic (thin) until break in. Varying with individual systems, this cartridge can also sound pretty bright or etched early on. However, this cartridge is certainly a different flavor than others and won’t ever sound lush like some brands.
Never heard a Sutherland but wouldn’t have recommended using a power conditioner with it (again, speculation).
I use a Lyra Delos, Accuphase AC3, and Apheta 2 on Well Tempered and Rega tables. Owned similar range Ortofon and Dynavectors. Still use a Lenco as well with vintage mono cartridges (the amazing GE VRII). Berning and Naim amplification. Harbeth and both Quads. Emia LR phono. Anyone telling you the Rega Planar 8 isn’t a great table is either misinformed or has different taste. The package you just sold is an amazing deal, maybe even a game changer at that price level. I won’t name certain brands but there are many more expensive tables that I feel don’t fit my taste at any level. Point is, take the many comments about this table with a grain of salt.
I am sorry I didn’t see your thread earlier. With great satisfaction with your digital rig and few lps, I would have suggested that you forget about vinyl. You would have spent a fortune on vinyl and these days, one can stream red book and high rez for $20/month. It also helps to have great record shops nearby. I have been quite lucky.
Finally, I have learned that many people don’t take to analog sound and vice versa, which is okay. This isn’t a contest of formats.
Happy listening.
Not being there and hearing your set up, my comments are obviously speculation.
I say misguided precisely because of the break-in. Apheta 2 definitely takes > 50 hours and is also very sensitive to VTF. Sounds dynamic early on but anemic (thin) until break in. Varying with individual systems, this cartridge can also sound pretty bright or etched early on. However, this cartridge is certainly a different flavor than others and won’t ever sound lush like some brands.
Never heard a Sutherland but wouldn’t have recommended using a power conditioner with it (again, speculation).
I use a Lyra Delos, Accuphase AC3, and Apheta 2 on Well Tempered and Rega tables. Owned similar range Ortofon and Dynavectors. Still use a Lenco as well with vintage mono cartridges (the amazing GE VRII). Berning and Naim amplification. Harbeth and both Quads. Emia LR phono. Anyone telling you the Rega Planar 8 isn’t a great table is either misinformed or has different taste. The package you just sold is an amazing deal, maybe even a game changer at that price level. I won’t name certain brands but there are many more expensive tables that I feel don’t fit my taste at any level. Point is, take the many comments about this table with a grain of salt.
I am sorry I didn’t see your thread earlier. With great satisfaction with your digital rig and few lps, I would have suggested that you forget about vinyl. You would have spent a fortune on vinyl and these days, one can stream red book and high rez for $20/month. It also helps to have great record shops nearby. I have been quite lucky.
Finally, I have learned that many people don’t take to analog sound and vice versa, which is okay. This isn’t a contest of formats.
Happy listening.