New Analog system. where to start?

What I like about the SOTAs:

1) Machined polymer platter (beats glass & aluminum)
2) Incredibly effective hanging suspension
3) Vacuum system works wonders...

What I don't like about the Rega:

1) Cheap & feeble construction
2) Lack of suspension
3) Sarcastic--and convenient--disregard for specifications

What I like about the 1200:

1) Built like a tank, precise like a Swiss watch
2) Great value for the money

"Why do you always refer us to someone else to explain your opinion?"

The word *always* means *always*. But anyway, have you ever read articles in scientific journals? Do you know where does a quality assurance audit starts? If you can answer correctly and see the pattern, you're on your way...

I quote the findings and opinions of respected and well known people--Thorsten, Rochlin, Kevin Barrett. I have other people whom I respect--but it wouldn't be 'politically' correct to use them. One of them is from Barbados. He has a modded 1200. But, what can he possibly know about high end, he's black and a DJ--right?

I mean, if Rochlin's opinions' are disregarded by some because he's a DJ (ever seen his website---www.enjoythemusic.com)---imagine adding the 'black islander' stigma on top of that!!!

Interesting ... no description of sonic differences.
I guess I lucked out that my 15 yr old Rega has never needed any work except for replacement cartridges and belts. Same for everyone else I know with Regas. I wish my cars were all built to Rega's "low standards". :-)

Be happy ... be individual, but please don't trash any more threads.

It all started with a box of Pop Tarts, Seandtaylor...I just responded with humor! You should have seen her passing out technical literature...I fell in love--true love!!!

Anyway, there's enough info in the archives--here and elsewhere--for someone to make an informed decision w/out having to publicly ask. That's what I did. It's called *research*.

As for sonic differences, I could not audition all the TTs I wanted, more so with the same cartridge. Before buying I heard Rega 3, Project 2.1, Project Perspective, Music Hall MMF-5. The perspective impressed me the most, but there was something not quite right, a blandness in the sound. This was auditioned w/ a cartridge model I used to own, so go figure...

What I can say about the modded 1200, sonically, is this: that it is a very *neutral* sounding deck with great speed and rotational stability (translate this into DARN good PRAT, like Rochlin also described). The tonearm is in need of control, so the frequency extremes are not quite right. The addition of the tonearm fluid damper corrected in great measure this weakness--it's an entirely different deck. And placing a Bob Regal foot next to the tonearm gimbal increased bass definition big time.

What do I get, then? With my Ortofon X5 MC and a Monolithic Sound phono stage and a Melos SHA-1 linestage and my Proton dual mono amp I get a *big* 3-D soundstage, with good depth and even more height. Instrument separation is well defined, with smooth, detailed yet fast high frequency response. Otherwise, my Swans' M1 ribbon tweeters would let me know. I get visceral sound not just on the bass, but on well recorded vocals *and* horns. I can play the innermost grooves of a Barbara Streitsand album and still WOW myself...

My DJ TT humiliates my DAC--big time.

Hmmm, maybe the whole point of this got lost somewhere.

If a person, who is new to vinyl, wants a table.....

"Don't be fooled by glass and particle board."

Not fooled, informed. Glass is a very logical choice for a platter. Cheap and effective. Particle board?? So nice wood makes it sound better?

Keep in mind, I run Linn LP12 with a nice wood base. But if I could have bought it with particle board, I would have to save money. :) (I got mine used) Its all about the sound.

You might have great luck with that 1200, but I think you are talking out of the wrong end when you speak as though you are a Rega know-it-all. Sounds to me like you have heard one or two for a few minutes each.

The lack of VTA adjustment and suspension are issues that are easily dealt with. If used with a Rega cart. the VTA becomes a non-issue completely and there were several carts to choose form when I was doing the testing.

I think we need to be careful when talking about a brand, (unless, like McInto$h, it is a status symbol and sounds like crap :>) he he) that we dont confuse opinions based on nothing with fact.

Gee, dont buy that 1998 Escort, cause I drove one in 1981 when they came out and it was horrible......that is kind of like how I see your advice.

If someone asked about a good first amp, would you suggest a set of Sequerra modded Marantz 8B's? If they asked you about a preamp, would you get them into dual monos?
There are used LP12's that can be had for 600-800 with arms. But they often need new springs and need to be set up properly...and are prone to shipping issues..so would I suggest one for a newer person?
Of course not.
If they dont mind the extra care that comes along with vinyl, the Rega will do one of two things. Open a new world, causing them to broaden horizons, or give them ultimate reliable, good sounding analog playback for years and years to come.

1,000.00 is 1,000.00. For a used table and a new cart/belt...the budget is gone. Entering a setup that requires suspension tweaks and is prone to issues due to former "idiot owners" is not a sure thing.

Still have not heard more than an opinion based on little actual test time. I played with them for a summer. I think I am more qualified.
Even more so, because like the first time many of us hear a Nait amp, we are blown away..18 watts??GEEZ!...I was blown away by how good a little bit of particle board, a great!!!!!!!!! arm and a cheap hunk of glass could sound. :>)

KGB540, as the person who asked the question, I encourage you to check out both.
Have you listened to anything yet? Made a purchase?

I dont know why, but my last response seems to have been lost..... I give up anyway.

Kgb540: One more thing. Believe it or not, an Adcom GFP-565 has a very nice phono section in it and can be had for about 200.00 almost anywhere.
I would suggest a listen.
Also, there are some nice Audible Illusions Pre's out there for a decent price, but watch the age. The tubes a soldered to the board and needed to be factory replaced when last I checked.
I would be interested in hearing an update of anything you have listened to/bought and the results. :>)