Rega RP8

[hifi_dave]

Just spent an entertaining morning/afternoon listening to this.



http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t406/hifi_dave/021-1.jpg

The all new Rega RP8.


http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t406/hifi_dave/018.jpg

[AlfaGTV]

Looks smashing! Is the central part suspended by springs or foam or similar?
And of course, whats the sonic impression so far?
Regards Mike

[hifi_dave]

It is a seriously good TT by any standards. I sat listening for over two hours and that's something I rarely do.

The skeleton sits on rubber/neoprene suspension within the plinth. Actually, you can use the skeleton free standing but it looks a bit sparce if you do and you don't want that when you've paid for a good TT.

[DSJR]

Very clever and the double belt is interesting too - have Rega finally heard the wow in earlier models???????????

Certainly makes pro-ject alternatives either blingy or crude in comparison. 'Course, it won't be as good as a techie, will it :lol:

[hifi_dave]

Takes some serious expertise and major investment to make such a turntable. I don't think any part is shared with other Rega turntables and all are custom made.

[DSJR]

I think it looks fab and look forward to hearing one when I next visit :)

How much and when available?

[hifi_dave]

Available next month and £1600 without cartridge.

[DSJR]

Bargain then :)

[hifi_dave]

There's an awful lot to it which you can't appreciate from my naff pics. I've seen plenty of turntables which are no more than a slab of chipboard with a bearing and cheap motor selling for a lot more than this. You will see what I am on about when you come over next.

[YNWaN]

Is there likely to be a model above this Dave? One that uses a ceramic platter (and other bits...).

[hifi_dave]

There will be at least one other above the RP8 but I know very little about it other than it's a totally skeletal design. Each one gets lighter and stiffer.

[Audioman]

Dave,

Looks like Rega have engineered a seriously good TT at last. Judging by the visual quality and added design sophistication this should be a big step up from previous models.

Paul.

[YNWaN]

There will be at least one other above the RP8 but I know very little about it other than it's a totally skeletal design. Each one gets lighter and stiffer.

Ah, I thought so, thicker core and CF skins - that's the one I'm looking forward to.

[hifi_dave]

The RP8 is constructed from some form of hard foam with a Phenolic skin. The arm braces are a Magnesium alloy or somesuch. The result is very rigid but extremely lightweight. It almost floats out of the carton.

What surprised me was that just about every component is new - nothing carried over from previous models.

[bacobits]

What is the base made of? A plexiglass?
What is the platter made of?
I really don't see too much for the $2600 price US.

[synsei]

What is the base made of? A plexiglass?
What is the platter made of?
I really don't see too much for the $2600 price US.


The RP8 is constructed from some form of hard foam with a Phenolic skin. The arm braces are a Magnesium alloy or some such. The result is very rigid but extremely lightweight.

Rega are to be applauded for designing a completely new turntable, especially during such tough economic times and for a market which does show some growth but who's future is far from certain. Well done Rega. Nice looking deck too by the way.

[PLINIUS]

What is the base made of? A plexiglass?
What is the platter made of?
I really don't see too much for the $2600 price US.
No Den you are right, it doesn't make any sense in your market, you can buy a VPI Classic for $2800 which is much better t/t than ANY Rega.

[synsei]

That is a bit sweeping Peter, shouldn't you at least listen to one first before making such statements? I'm not a huge fan of Rega either, but this deck appears to be in a different league to their previous efforts...

[sq225917]

I wonder why they don't do more to make a torturous path between motor and bearing, it would seem the more circuitous the route for any noise from the motor to reach the bearing the better.

[AlfaGTV]

Seems like the arm on yer first pics is a bog standard Rb-300?
Have Rega abandoned the three point fixture?
Regards Mike

[synsei]

It looks like an RB303 to me ;)

http://www.rega.co.uk/product_images/New%20Tonearms/RB303-PROFILE.gif

[hifi_dave]

No Den you are right, it doesn't make any sense in your market, you can buy a VPI Classic for $2800 which is much better t/t than ANY Rega.

You have seen and heard it then ???

Typical 'bash Rega' comment.

[hifi_dave]

It looks like an RB303 to me ;)

http://www.rega.co.uk/product_images/New%20Tonearms/RB303-PROFILE.gif

It is an RB 808, with the new arm tube casting which is thinner, lighter and stiffer than the previous models. It has a higher grade of bearings and their new cable which will be used for incons later in the year.

[hifi_dave]

Seems like the arm on yer first pics is a bog standard Rb-300?
Have Rega abandoned the three point fixture?
Regards Mike

Looks similar to the old RB's but is entirely different - see my post above and has the 3 point fix.

[AlfaGTV]

Ålrajt then...

*Adjust focus and look again*
:rolleyes:

nah, cant see the three point fixture in your piccies, but if you say so...
Assume it is made from some alu alloy now then?

/Mike

[hifi_dave]

The pics aren't the best, I can never get them sharp with this camera.

Definitely 3 point fixing.

[PLINIUS]

That is a bit sweeping Peter, shouldn't you at least listen to one first before making such statements? I'm not a huge fan of Rega either, but this deck appears to be in a different league to their previous efforts...
Not at all Dave, firstly I don't dislike the Brand, I have Rega Exor monoblocks & have owned 3 of their t/ts but, unlike the faithful, I have always been aware that the design has it's limitations. The VPI is better engineered, better made, more capable, & is far better value on the U.S. market, as I previously stated.
Having recently compared the VPI to a P9, there is a gulf in performance between them, one that would reguire a giant leap of faith & a lot of denial to want to spend that much money on a product offering far less material value.
As for sweeping statements, how about the praise for a product by those who have not heard it themselves. All I ask for here, is a bit of perspective.

[julesd68]

I would actually like to hear what the best Rega decks can do - the temptation is to assume that lightweight construction means lightweight sound ...

Something like the VPI that has been mentioned (which I haven't heard either) looks so much more solid and it's as though you can see you are getting better value for money.

This is all perception of course, but perhaps is what Rega are fighting against at this level of the market, to persuade people like me to part with their cash.

[PLINIUS]

You have seen and heard it then ???

Typical 'bash Rega' comment.
Pretty much what I would expect from a Rega dealer, read what I said & deal with it in an adult manner rather than resorting to unfounded claims of Rega bashing.

[hifi_dave]

Julian

I used to think that lightweight construction means a lightweight sound but that isn't necessarily true, as the RP8 proves. High mass can lead to high levels of colouration but not necessarily so. It all depends on the implementation.

Sorry to bang on about it but the RP8 is a very clever piece of engineering and workmanship. It's not just a slab and a heavy platter. There is much more to it than that, which isn't apparent with my pics.

You're not a million miles away - why not come over when I have mine on demo ?

[synsei]

You still haven't answered the question as to whether you have heard an RP8 Peter, you will be on safer ground if you have ;)

You can't pass judgement on an RP8 based on a listening sesh with the RP9, they are entirely different designs. I take your point on the 'perceived' value argument, but looks don't tell you how it will sound...

[hifi_dave]

Pretty much what I would expect from a Rega dealer, read what I said & deal with it in an adult manner rather than resorting to unfounded claims of Rega bashing.

You obviously can't deal with the truth.

Rega bashing appears to be one of your specialities. You haven't heard the RP8, you haven't touched the RP8 and you haven't even seen the RP8 so how can you possibly criticise it and recommend another TT over it ?

Incidentally, the VPI Classic is over £2700 here.

[julesd68]

You're not a million miles away - why not come over when I have mine on demo ?

Most kind - I might well take you up on that!

You're also in a part of the country I like - I'd like a return visit to Audley End ...

[hifi_dave]

Most kind - I might well take you up on that!

You're also in a part of the country I like - I'd like a return visit to Audley End ...

Why not ? You won't get any form of hard sell here..:)

[PLINIUS]

You still haven't answered the question as to whether you have heard an RP8 Peter, you will be on solid ground if you have ;)

You can't pass judgement on an RP8 based on a listening sesh with the RP9, they are entirely different designs. I take your point on the 'perceived' value argument, but looks don't tell you how it will sound...
More to the point Dave, have you heard either t/t. No Rega, to date, can compete with the VPI & although the P8 LOOKS to be possably their best effort so far, it is unlikely that it will come close.

[PLINIUS]

You obviously can't deal with the truth.

Rega bashing appears to be one of your specialities. You haven't heard the RP8, you haven't touched the RP8 and you haven't even seen the RP8 so how can you possibly criticise it and recommend another TT over it ?

Incidentally, the VPI Classic is over £2700 here.
What has that got to do with anything, my coments were to a US member & pertained only to that market. Try to look beyond your own self-interest & actually read what I said. I doubt that the truth is something you know a lot about, you have presented no argument, just name calling, which speaks volumes about you.

[hifi_dave]

Not too happy with your inferences and aggression. This really isn't what we expect on AOS.

You are very perceptive and yes, I am a Rega dealer and have been for almost 40 years but I also stock a range of different manufacturers' turntables.

There was no "self-interest" intended. As a Rega dealer I was giving the AOS forum a sneak preview of a turntable they will, no doubt, be hearing a lot about in the coming months.

Unlike you, I have actually seen and heard the RP8 you are damning.

[Marco]

Ok, guys, I've been watching this one for the last hour and it's going nowhere constructive, especially now that things are getting personal. I suggest that you simply agree to disagree and move on.

The thread was started to discuss the RP8, therefore I insist that the discussion progresses now in terms of those who've listened to the turntable in question expressing their legitimate opinions, and/or those who are possibly interested in buying one, expressing theirs.

Any further 'niggling' will be removed without further warning.

Marco.

[synsei]

Well Marco, in the spirit of AoS I find it difficult to understand how anybody can dismiss a product without having listened to it first. To quote Duncan Bannatyne from Dragon's Den, "It is utterly ludicrous..." :)

[Audioman]

Can I point out that Rega are very popular in the US and many over there prefer them to VPI. I would guess both RP8 and VPI Classic 1 would sell for under $3000 over there. Only listening to both is going to determine which sound best or which presentation is prefered. I don't think Peter has any right to advise potential US customers based on his experience of previous Rega products. I have only heard a VPI Classic 3 which is a bit special for the money though at a much higher price.

Paul.

[hifi_dave]

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t406/hifi_dave/020.jpg


Oh and another shot.

[Tim]

That is kinda neat, almost a piece of art and I rather like it actually.

[synsei]

I actually prefer it without it's clothes on, it's quite sexy... ;) Can we have a shot of it in skeletal form but with it's platter on please Dave?

[hifi_dave]

Sorry but that's all I've got. I should have taken some more pics but time was tight. When I get my demo RP8 in a couple of weeks I'll oblige.

You can use it naked like this but it looks a bit mean to me.

In this shot you can make out the foam structure and the 'pips' the platter sits on.

[DSJR]

New exit cable too. I wonder what it is?????????

[Tim]

Can we have a shot of it in skeletal form but with it's platter on please Dave?
Found this ;)

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w63/greatgig/rp8.jpg

[hifi_dave]

New exit cable too. I wonder what it is?????????

The first in a new range of incons and speaker cables. I'm not permitted to say more..:ner:

[synsei]

Found this ;)

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w63/greatgig/rp8.jpg

Thanks Tim, that looks so cool, I'd love to hear one in action... :)

[hifi_dave]

Thanks Tim, that looks so cool, I'd love to hear one in action... :)

Hopefully, 2-3 weeks and you can pop over. Not too far away.

[synsei]

No car Dave otherwise I'd love to :(

[hifi_dave]

:doh:

[Marco]

Thanks Tim, that looks so cool, I'd love to hear one in action... :)

It also looks nothing like any other Rega turntable... I guess it shows that they've finally addressed what was wrong with them for all those years! ;)

Marco.

[synsei]

LOL, that's fightin' talk... :D You will have Dave nibbling yer anklebones... :lol:

[hifi_dave]

They have been slowly evolving along the light and rigid path for almost 40 years. and this is a big step forward.

I believe the RP10 will be even lighter and completely skeletal but who knows with Rega ? They keep their cards very close, so that not even Paul Darwin (head of sales) knows what is coming up.

[DSJR]

And please don't forget that ALL Planar 2's and 3's can be serviced, even the R200 tonearm bias belts now that Audio Origami's Johnnie has found a suitable toothed belt that fits....... Rega used to make parts for the original Planet deck as well, the drive belt in particular since it's a different size to all the others.

[Tmacb3]

I just got an email from my hi fi dealer here in the states. First off, he sent this latest link: http://audiofi.net/2012/10/rega-rp8-the-grand-evolution/

He was told by the US Rega distributor that the RP8 will be available in the states mid Dec with a retail price of about $2995. If you pair it with the Rega Apheta cart, the US price will be around the $3995 range. I thought you would want to know.

[bacobits]

Hi Fi Dave,

My comment was not intended to be a typical Rega bash comment.

I own a blown out upgraded P5 for the last 2 years and it is very very good. Although my mods may not be approved by hard core Rega people.
I have had 2 other Rega P3's in the past too.

Comment was for price only and I now see the higher price includes Rega's Primo cartridge?

Take that back, price is still too high here for what you are getting.

D

[hifi_dave]

Hi Fi Dave,

Comment was for price only and I now see the higher price includes Rega's Primo cartridge?

Take that back, price is still too high here for what you are getting.

D


Maybe you need to wait to hear it before saying that..:scratch:

Before I heard and saw it, I was prepared for it to be like the P7 in construction and sound but it is far, far better than that.

For me to sit for over two hours when having a manufacturer's demo, is not something I do often, so it must have something special going on.

[DSJR]

It also looks nothing like any other Rega turntable... I guess it shows that they've finally addressed what was wrong with them for all those years! ;)

Marco.

Dave and I have formulated a battle plan to finally get his 1970's Planar 2/R200 up and running properly again :lol: The arm needs a bias belt and I can't remember how bad the dried out main bearing was. Now it has a proper ribbed rubber mat (like the original Linn one) I'd love to see how good or bad it really is compared to certain fave-raves - no not yours Marco, since I doubt the R200 could properly work with an SPU :)

[rubber duck]

The skeleton sits on rubber/neoprene suspension within the plinth. Actually, you can use the skeleton free standing but it looks a bit sparce if you do and you don't want that when you've paid for a good TT.

I agree with Dave, clothes on please. We have enough Terminator style turntables out there already! It's not clear to me though what the plinth is for if the skeleton can simply sit on its own. Shouldn't the feet be under the main plinth with the skeleton/motor/platter then decoupled from this for isolation?:scratch:

[Audioman]

I agree with Dave, clothes on please. We have enough Terminator style turntables out there already! It's not clear to me though what the plinth is for if the skeleton can simply sit on its own. Shouldn't the feet be under the main plinth with the skeleton/motor/platter then decoupled from this for isolation?:scratch:

Probably so as not to frighten existing Rega customers who don't like skeletal turntables. :) Oh and to accomodate a hinged lid!

Paul.

[hifi_dave]

I agree with Dave, clothes on please. We have enough Terminator style turntables out there already! It's not clear to me though what the plinth is for if the skeleton can simply sit on its own. Shouldn't the feet be under the main plinth with the skeleton/motor/platter then decoupled from this for isolation?:scratch:



The 'skeletal' part sits on rubber cradles in the main plinth, so it's double decoupled. The plinth part sits on it's own feet and holds the lid.

[krenzler]

The outer plinth:

http://i474.photobucket.com/albums/rr109/Mikawen/DSCF0635.jpg

From the Naim forum thread:

http://forums.naimaudio.com/displayForumTopic/content/19729071273731346/page/2

[hifi_dave]

I've just spotted that 'Krenzler' has nicked my RP8 pics and posted them on The Vinyl Engine forum, without my permission. Is that ethical ?

[The Grand Wazoo]

Originally Posted by krenzler
Nicked?

Well if you Google Rega RP8 these pictures come up as they are readily available on the internet. You have shared them with the world and I posted them on a turntable forum - specifically for Rega.

It's not as if I broke into your personal computer and stole For Your Eyes Only files.

I don't see the problem?

P.S. I currently own a P7 (for 4 years now) which I like very much and have owned both Planar 2 & 3 in the distant past. So it's not as if I would post an RP8 pic to cause any discredit.

Did I by any chance cause some grumblings by posting the above picture of the outer plinth for the RP8?

Kim,
I'm sorry, but if Dave would rather you did not use those photos, then it's only right that you remove them.
Many of us use photos from the internet too, but if the owner of some specifically asked me to remove them, I would.
....and make no mistake, if Dave took them, then he does own them, whether that's inconvenient to you or not.

[The Grand Wazoo]

.....and as if by magic, Kim's reply disappears.
For a moment.


Kim, if you don't have the decency to remove Dave's pictures the very least you should do is to acknowledge where they came from.

[Audioman]

.....and as if by magic, Kim's reply disappears.
For a moment.


Kim, if you don't have the decency to remove Dave's pictures the very least you should do is to acknowledge where they came from.

I don't think there is an infringement of copywrite as these photos have been put in the public domain. I think if they are from the Naim forum Kim may have not realised they were taken by Dave. Frankly if you don't want them copied either don't put em up or watermark them with Radlett Audio in bold letters.

[The Grand Wazoo]

No, I'm sorry that's not correct.
It's one thing to nab something off the web & put it somewhere else - strictly speaking though, that is a breach of copyright.
It's another thing to ignore a specific request by its owner for it not to be used.

[The Grand Wazoo]

....I think if they are from the Naim forum Kim may have not realised they were taken by Dave.

But they originate from Dave's photobucket account and Kim now knows who took them - Dave just told him.

[hifi_dave]

Thank you for the support.

The pics are from my Photobucket account and were first posted on this forum. I had no intention of making them available to the www in general.

Recently, on this forum, the Source/Oddysey man asked my permission to use one of my pics and credited me with this on his forum. That was perfectly acceptable to me but I don't like my pics being stolen without my permission.

[The Grand Wazoo]

You're welcome Dave.
Unfortunately it remains to be seen whether Kim will do the decent thing.

[hifi_dave]

What happens if I remove the pics from Photobucket ?

[Tim]

What happens if I remove the pics from Photobucket ?
They will disappear from the original location you posted them and be replaced with a placeholder like this David. However, they will only disappear from other locations on the web if they were linked to the original picture, it is a simple task to copy them or upload them to another image sharing service like Photobucket, if they have done that, then it will be for them to delete them. If you want some further help, PM me and I can offer some advice re watermarking and trying to protect copyright, but ultimately once anything goes on the web, protecting it becomes difficult if people want to use it as their own.

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w63/greatgig/testdelete.jpg

[hifi_dave]

Thanks Tim.

[hifi_dave]

http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t406/hifi_dave/021-1.jpg

The all new Rega RP8.


http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t406/hifi_dave/018.jpg[/QUOTE]

I now have this little beauty on demonstration.

[DSJR]

:) Can't wait...

[hifi_dave]

I need to take some better pics. Being in focus might be a good start..:rolleyes:

[Wakefield Turntables]

My only issue is neoprene. I work with all sorts of weird and wonderful materials. Neoprene will eventually degrade and its ability to suspend the deck will fail. It might take a while but its a possibility. :(

[hifi_dave]

It does take quite a few years - I've never had to replace a motor suspension on a Rega turntable and they date back to the early 70's.

[DSJR]

Yeah, the motors tend to sag a bit more but don't get much if at all worse on these..

[Dual]

I bought an RP8 and it arrived yesterday. It was originally an Apheta-fitted model- the dealer removed the Apheta and sold me the turntable.

The slots on the headshell are too narrow: cartridge screws tap out the slot as they are installed, and can't be adjusted for overhang. Also, the heavy plastic (??) coating on the RB-808 arm was permanently deformed by the mounting of the Apheta.

I have no idea why Rega has taken this approach (unless they want to restrict this product to their cartridges), but I had to return the RP8. I'm not happy.

http://www.etnier.com/rp8/12_IMG_0278.jpg
http://www.etnier.com/rp8/01.jpg

[DSJR]

Did Rega tighten the Apheta up this much, or did the dealer fit and then remove the cartridge? Should have bought it with Apheta cartridge - sounds amazing as long as the MC phono stage can take it without the treble taking off.

Seriously though, I'd give a call to Rega (their distributor) and arrange to send the pic for their comments. I know it's up to the dealer, but Rega may take pity on you.

The coating on the pipe is indeed quite heavy and I should warn that if the third hole is used with Rega cartridges, it will leave a mark after. Actually, the Exact cartridge seems to have taken on a whole new lease of life with this latest generation of decks, the existing fine mid and treble being tempered with a far clearer bass than I remember of old..

Good luck.....

[Bazil]

That is disappointing as the Apheta is a Rega cartridge, something not quite right there :scratch: