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Rega P3-24, Pro-Ject RM-5, or Technics 1200?

I'm in the market for a turntable and have been looking at the Rega P3-24 and the Pro-Ject RM-5. I was a DJ, so I already have 2 Technics SL-1200 MK2s, but based on things I'd read elsewhere assumed that these would never really be "hi-fi". I came to Audiogon to see what people had to say about the Rega and Pro-Ject tables and was surprised to find quite a few postings saying that the 1200s could sound as good or better than either of these. Most of these posts discuss KAB modified 1200s. I've already got the tables, can I get the modifications made to one of my existing tables, and which mods would folks suggest? Also, if people think this is the route to go, what cartridge would you suggest? If this isn't the route to go, which table would you suggest?

Just for reference, here's my current system:
- NuForce IA-7 integrated amp
- Reference 3A MM DeCapo speakers
- Arcam CD36 CD Player
- Bellari Moving Magnet Tube Phono Preamp

Thanks for your suggestions!
mcarlson
tvad
9,467 posts
 
There are many things that can be done to improve what you presently own:
cartridge, KAB mods, phono preamp, MintLP BestTractor protractor. You can
make incremental improvements to what you have and be happy for a long time.

Or, you can make a wholesale change to a Rega or Pro-Ject, but I wouldn't
recommend making the change unless you can buy a used Rega table and
compare it to the Technics (and keep the one you prefer), or unless you can get
a dealer to demo a new Rega/Pro-Ject in your system. Otherwise, you're flying
blind. Each table will have its own sound; its own strengths and weaknesses.
learsfool
1,206 posts
 
I would say a P2 easily beats the RM-5. I haven't actually heard the new P3-24, but I have heard the P2 and the RM-5. I would also say it beats the Technics easily. I think that the Regas have a much bigger soundstage, and image quite a bit better as well. If these things are not as important to you though, then you might as well stick to what you have.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Learsfool, do you recall the Technics set-up(s) you heard on which you based
your opinion? Was it a stock Technics, or one with KAB mods? What cartridge
was installed?

All these factors can make a signifiant difference, from my experience.
johnnyb53
3,490 posts
 
12-08-08: Learsfool
I would say a P2 easily beats the RM-5. I haven't actually heard the new P3-24, but I have heard the P2 and the RM-5. I would also say it beats the Technics easily. I think that the Regas have a much bigger soundstage, and image quite a bit better as well.
Not me. I heard the Rega 3/24 in an all-Rega demo rig and I'll stick with my SL1210 M5G, thank you very much. Some of the "Rega detail" sounded exaggerated and didn't have the solid center image and timbral focus I get from the SL1210M5G.

As for mods to one of your SL1200s, I'd recommend you get the tonearm rewire first and foremost, followed by the KAB fluid damper and the Isonoe footers. Get a better mat, at least KAB's 17-oz. Technics "Supermat" or an aftermarket mat from Herbies, Iron Audio, etc. Change out your headshell for a Sumiko or the ZuPreme from LPGear, and upgrade your cartridge to a Denon DL-160 or Audio Technica AT150MLX.

To beat that you'd have to spend a LOT more money starting from scratch with a belt drive 'table .
learsfool
1,206 posts
 
Tvad, I used to have a Technics that was a stock model. I have always considered Technics to be very much mid-fi, I am a little puzzled about the great numbers of people who seem to like it here and on that other audio forum. I have not heard it with modifications, but it never struck me personally as a table that would be worth modifying when there are better options available in the first place, IMO. Perhaps I would change my mind if I heard a modified one, but in the meantime I would disagree with Johnny, I think the Regas have a far better soundstage, image much better, and have much better resolution of instrumental timbres than any Technics I have ever heard. I am also not a tweaker, so the simple Rega set-up appealed for that reason as well. Getting back to the original post, I would also add that many people, including myself, consider the Bellari mentioned a good match for the Rega tables, another reason to choose the P3-24.
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