I agree with Jfrech - step up to a P2 or higher if you like the sound of your Rega already.
Turntable advice?
I have a modest, entry-level system consisting of:
-Bel Canto s300iu
-Linn AV5140/Espek
-Rega P1
-Naim Stageline phono stage
-MacBook
The vast majority of my listening is via computer, but I like vinyl for those really special albums (the "desert island" picks, if you will). For a while, I've been considering upgrading the turntable (The rest of the system will also go through periodic upgrades, but the TT was my first consideration). A local dealer offered to let me audition a Michell TecnoDec, and I accepted.
I have a couple of issues:
1) The turntable itself literally does not fit into my cabinet, where the P1 currently resides. Everything but the motor goes into the spot, but, while I'm no expert, I'd wager that the motor plays a key role in how the music sounds.
2) I have a nagging fear that the TecnoDec, on my little system will highlight the fact that I do have a modest, entry-level system and will figuratively not fit in.
Is my nagging fear grounded? Would it, in essence, be like dropping a V-8 into a Fiero (No offense to any Fiero owners out there)?
Any advice from you seasoned turntable experts will be appreciated.
If you need to know, my vinyl listening habits tend mostly toward rock, but a lot of acoustic stuff: Elliott Smith, U2, Johnny Cash, Iron & Wine . . . . .
-Bel Canto s300iu
-Linn AV5140/Espek
-Rega P1
-Naim Stageline phono stage
-MacBook
The vast majority of my listening is via computer, but I like vinyl for those really special albums (the "desert island" picks, if you will). For a while, I've been considering upgrading the turntable (The rest of the system will also go through periodic upgrades, but the TT was my first consideration). A local dealer offered to let me audition a Michell TecnoDec, and I accepted.
I have a couple of issues:
1) The turntable itself literally does not fit into my cabinet, where the P1 currently resides. Everything but the motor goes into the spot, but, while I'm no expert, I'd wager that the motor plays a key role in how the music sounds.
2) I have a nagging fear that the TecnoDec, on my little system will highlight the fact that I do have a modest, entry-level system and will figuratively not fit in.
Is my nagging fear grounded? Would it, in essence, be like dropping a V-8 into a Fiero (No offense to any Fiero owners out there)?
Any advice from you seasoned turntable experts will be appreciated.
If you need to know, my vinyl listening habits tend mostly toward rock, but a lot of acoustic stuff: Elliott Smith, U2, Johnny Cash, Iron & Wine . . . . .
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- 10 posts total
Over the years have heard a number of "British" systems that were very heavily ( at least in dollars/pounds spent) weighted in favor of the source - in a couple of cases around two thirds of the expenditure was on arm/table/cart - with the amp/speakers being nice - but not terribly expensive.Especially with LP based systems - these worked very,very well.They extracted a amazing amount of music from the LP's and let you hear it.American systems have tended to be biased towards getting the best speakers you could afford and then sorta hoping that what was feeding them was musically revealing. Don't worry about overspending on vinyl playback equipment - the only problem with this is you'll find yourself in the poorhouse from buying records - 'cause everything else sounds sorta blah in comparison. |
Yes, do not worry about the "V8 in the Fiero" scenario. A great source is really key in a great system. Instead of highlighting weaknesses, it will probably showcase the best qualities of the rest of your gear - which, by the way, is pretty nice stuff! The only thing "Fiero" about it, to me, is the P1. I don't agree that moving up the Rega line is a great choice. I am, however, personally extremely curious about the TecnoDec. I imagine (and this is conjecture) that it will be a night-and-day difference from your P1. I have a feeling you'll be looking for a new rack. |
The Technodec is a pretty good choice (but not the only one). How important is the 'cabinet'? By cabinet, do you mean a proper cabinet or a shelf system? As soon as you start upgrading, you might get bitten by the bug. A major decision has to be whether you want to trust in a dealer (and your ears) and buy new or trust yourself and buy second hand. 650 GBP (without cart) can buy you a pretty reasonable second hand TT. If you keep aside GBP150 for something like a Rega RB300, then you have GBP500 for second hand TT. For that money, you might find a reasonable vintage TT like a Garrard 401 or a Thorens TD124. Either of those will last you a lifetime. You might have to learn a bit about TT set-up, but that's not really that difficult (especially on a non-sprung TT). Oh and don't worry about the quality of the TT in your setup. You'll really start enjoying vinyl and you'll spend more time like me in second hand record stores. Good luck! Charlie |
As long as you're willing to consider a Tecnodeck, why not get out the tape measure and consider some of these similarly-priced turntables: o Marantz TT-15S1 (comes with $800 MM Clearaudio cartridge) o Rega P5 (by the time you get a P3/24 plus the power supply, you're almost there, and the P5 has an RB700 tonearm) o Funk Turntable with the Incognito option. Looks pretty compact to me. o SOTA Comet (review here) o Fully tricked out KAB-modded Technics SL1200, with external power supply, threaded clamp, tonearm rewire, fluid damper, and Isonoe feet with sorbothane booties ($1419 total). The Technics is pretty space-efficient and is capable of surprising performance with some or all of these mods. The two most important are the tonearm rewire and fluid damper. That brings the 'table in at a very competitive $800. |
- 10 posts total