Rega RP8 or Technics SL1200G

@viridian,  Can you elaborate a bit on why you prefer the Rega? 

I recently brought home (October) an RP8 with an apheta 2 cartridge. It’s my first high end turntable, so I will not call myself an expert. I will tell you that Rega matches the power supply to the motor. When I measure the speed at 33 rpm with turntablist, I get 33.4 Ideal. When I measure the speed at 45 I get 45.3. I have only had a couple of people over to listen but the comments on speed are it sounds right or perhaps it’s a bit slow.
I think it sounds amazing and find I am more a victim of recording quality than system flaw. A friend brought over People in Sorrow by The Art Ensemble of Chicago and it sounded so good, like they were in the room with us. My feeling is you probably can’t go wrong with either TT.

Happy to elaborate. I have no dog in the hunt from a technological standpoint, as I currently own DD, belt drive and idler drive turntables and do not feel that either technology is superior. And, not having heard the G, my comments only apply to the 1200/2 which I am very familiar with. So that may invalidate my comments from the git go.

I found the sound of the Technics rather clanky which doesn’t work for me. Is it the arm? I’m no material scientist, couldn’t tell you. Maybe the G is better in this regard. I did put an SP-25 motor unit in a Baltic birch CLD plinth with an AT arm long ago. As that is the same motor unit as the 1200 and I did not hear those colorations, I would conclude that there is a likelihood that it is the base or the arm that is contributing the sound that I don’t care for. And that may have been attended to in the intervening time.

The Rega doesn’t quite get the silence between the notes right and the Rega arm is a bit too controlled in the upper midrange for me so it has issues as well. And the lack of fine VTA adjustment is a serious flaw in a product at this price point. But everything is flawed and we make our choices. It would be best, and probably impossible, to audition both.

All of that said, I would spend my money on a Linn LP12 as it just does more that is correct to my ear. YMMV, and good luck with the hunt.

ericsch,

If your wife will approve the Technics 1200 G. Go for it. I have owned a LP12 since 1988. It is good. Get the Technics; Your last TT unless you hit a lottery.

Best Wishes on Your Journey.
Merry Christmas 

I would go with the Technics.  If you don't like it, you could sell it with very little loss.
I don't get people knocking the arm.  It is quite good for the price and not inferior to the Rega arm IMO.  Of course you could buy a Triplanar 12" for the price of two Technics 1200 turntables if you want to do an upgrade.