Should I keep or sell my modded AR XA for a Rega RP3 or comparable deck?
Hello Audiogon community! This is my first post and it's somewhat of a doozie!
The big question today is should I keep my modded AR XA or sell it in favor of a Rega RP3 or other deck? Just to rattle off some specs, the XA is still running off of the original Haydon motor and is the single-belt style. The tonearm has been completely gone through and has new Cardas wiring along with sapphire bearings in the vertical pivot and a new ball bearing for the tonearm spindle. Cart is a Grado Black1.
Beyond that, the base is polyurethaned Red Oak with a brand new AR logo and brand new tonearm rest. The interconnects for power and audio jacks have also been replaced in favor of a 3-prong grounded plug and two RCA's courtesy of Part Express. It may be worth mentioning that most of the deck is still in pieces as I have to assemble and solder the connections, but that should take no more than a few hours.
The main reason why I'm even running it by the Audiogon community is because as much as I'll appreciate the deck and the work I've put into it when I'm done, I just don't seeing it out performing a new 'table like the RP3. Because I'd be jumping from a Technics SL-220 and an Ortofon FF 15XE to one of the above decks, I'll see an improvement in sound quality either way. I just want the best improvement at the least cost!
My original plan was to go for the RP1 and blow the rest on speakers, however, I'd much rather spend the money on something that will last 'til the end of time and be more upgradable. After testing out the RP3 and RP1 at a local HiFi shop, I was thoroughly impressed by the build quality of both, although the RP3 did have a significant leg up when it came to the tonearm. The RP3 sounded better in the top end too, but that was more than likely the result of the Ortofon 2M Blue it had mounted compared to the stock RP1.
Bottom line, if I go for the RP3 then there's no possible way I could get a decent set of bookshelves to complement. If I go for the RP1, I can get some decent bookshelves, but I'd also shoot myself in the foot in terms of upgradeability and versatility. If I stick with the XA, then I'm getting a tank of a 'table, but the compliance of the arm is sub-par at best and will only accommodate a select few carts. Beyond that, I also wouldn't have the cash to snag some decent bookshelves because it would be tied up in the 'table.
Really just want some advice. I listen to vinyl more casually and like it for the experience rather than the sound quality, although sound is still very important! Would be using the deck with a Yamaha A-S301 integrated amp if that helps in your decision making. Also would prefer to keep deck under $500 if I go for bookshelves. If not, limit sits firmly at $700-$800!
