View Full Version : A brief Rega RP6 Review.
stairpost
17-03-2015, 21:31
I thought I'd share my experiences of the RP6 after spending a few weeks with it.
Having spent 3 years or so with a pre-cirkus, Valhalla'd LP12 as my main source I couldn't be happier with my new turntable, The LP12 was really fantastic on it's good days, but sounded more than a bit lackluster on it's off days, after parting with it and making use of an old Revolver Redwood (Linn arm with Adikt cart) for a few months I quickly came to the conclusion that suspended sub chassis, wooden box plinth decks weren't for me. The Revolver wasn't ever as good as the LP12 but it did consistently sound enjoyable every time I put a record on, this lead me on the hunt for an upgrade to a better quality deck of similar basic style.
So, onto the RP6, I debated as to whether it was the right way to go but as the only way to ever be sure is to plug it in where it's going to be used and have a listen, I took the plunge and haven't regretted it once, it has the clarity and sound stage the Revolver lacked and it also has the tight control across the frequencies that the LP12 didn't offer, I am reveling in the tight but full bottom end. everything I listen to just sounds exactly as I want it to, deep and clear with noticeable silence between tracks. Without wanting to sound too OTT I almost can't listen to enough music on it, I am using it with the Exact cartridge that's fitted as standard and running it straight into the phono input on my Copland amp.
I appreciate that musical taste and equipment is very individual, and it's highly unlikely that 'one size will fit all' but for me the RP6 is a source I would happily recommend, there was one slight teething problem with a noisy pulley but this was easily remedied and now runs silently as expected. It's easy to understand why the pursuit of HIFI happiness is a journey, as without my experience of both the LP12 and the Revolver I would never have arrived at the happy point I have now. For me the hardest thing has always been to be satisfied with where I am with my system, and apart from a recent brief thought of introducing an external phono stage I think I may actually be there for the first time. Bliss!
Rich.
carruthersesq
17-03-2015, 22:30
Glad your enjoying your new RP6, nice TT. I enjoyed mine whilst I had it, more so when I changed the exact. Enjoy and keep spinning.
stairpost
17-03-2015, 22:44
Glad your enjoying your new RP6, nice TT. I enjoyed mine whilst I had it, more so when I changed the exact. Enjoy and keep spinning. ��
What did you change the exact for? I still have the Adikt that I did briefly think about trying but I am reluctant to make the switch, I keep thinking 'if it ain't broke'.
I found an ortofon 2m blue worked really well on the rp6.
In the event that I should ever have one again (haven't entirely ruled it out) I would put one of those on in a heartbeat.
Good to know that you like the RP6.
I'm using one now after a few years of using a modified Lenco (a lightweight model converted to take the heavyweight bearing platter) but I spent far too much time tweaking and wanted to get down to listening to music instead. I think the LAD/Jelco arm was the problem though.
I'm using a Denon DL-110 with my RP6 and it sounds great to me. I'm also considering a new phono stage (I'm currently using a version of the VSPS) but otherwise feel that I won't be changing the system any time soon. Although I might try an RB202 on the Lenco at some point.
carruthersesq
18-03-2015, 23:02
What did you change the exact for? I still have the Adikt that I did briefly think about trying but I am reluctant to make the switch, I keep thinking 'if it ain't broke'.
Hi Rich
I tried a 2m Red but that didn't float my boat, then I tried a Denon dl110 which was a revelation, for the money and outstanding cart. I then went a little more expensive and bought a Nagoaka MP500 and an AT150mlx from Japan (a family member there sent them to me so very good price), the Nag was just beautiful, the AT was almost as good but was half the price so kept that and sold tha Nag. The AT is a cart I could live with very happily.
I have sold the Rega now and have a Funk Firm TT with another AT cart, an LOMC AT OC9/iii, another great cart.
If you enjoy the exact there's no need to change, I just didn't enjoy it that much. It's a personal taste.
Hi Rich
I tried a 2m Red but that didn't float my boat, then I tried a Denon dl110 which was a revelation, for the money and outstanding cart. I then went a little more expensive and bought a Nagoaka MP500 and an AT150mlx from Japan (a family member there sent them to me so very good price), the Nag was just beautiful, the AT was almost as good but was half the price so kept that and sold tha Nag. The AT is a cart I could live with very happily.
I have sold the Rega now and have a Funk Firm TT with another AT cart, an LOMC AT OC9/iii, another great cart.
If you enjoy the exact there's no need to change, I just didn't enjoy it that much. It's a personal taste.
The Audio Technica AT150MLX is a lovely cart; lucky for you you got a deal on one re family.
I thought I'd share my experiences of the RP6 after spending a few weeks with it.
Having spent 3 years or so with a pre-cirkus, Valhalla'd LP12 as my main source I couldn't be happier with my new turntable, The LP12 was really fantastic on it's good days, but sounded more than a bit lackluster on it's off days, after parting with it and making use of an old Revolver Redwood (Linn arm with Adikt cart) for a few months I quickly came to the conclusion that suspended sub chassis, wooden box plinth decks weren't for me. The Revolver wasn't ever as good as the LP12 but it did consistently sound enjoyable every time I put a record on, this lead me on the hunt for an upgrade to a better quality deck of similar basic style.
So, onto the RP6, I debated as to whether it was the right way to go but as the only way to ever be sure is to plug it in where it's going to be used and have a listen, I took the plunge and haven't regretted it once, it has the clarity and sound stage the Revolver lacked and it also has the tight control across the frequencies that the LP12 didn't offer, I am reveling in the tight but full bottom end. everything I listen to just sounds exactly as I want it to, deep and clear with noticeable silence between tracks. Without wanting to sound too OTT I almost can't listen to enough music on it, I am using it with the Exact cartridge that's fitted as standard and running it straight into the phono input on my Copland amp.
I appreciate that musical taste and equipment is very individual, and it's highly unlikely that 'one size will fit all' but for me the RP6 is a source I would happily recommend, there was one slight teething problem with a noisy pulley but this was easily remedied and now runs silently as expected. It's easy to understand why the pursuit of HIFI happiness is a journey, as without my experience of both the LP12 and the Revolver I would never have arrived at the happy point I have now. For me the hardest thing has always been to be satisfied with where I am with my system, and apart from a recent brief thought of introducing an external phono stage I think I may actually be there for the first time. Bliss!
Rich.
Glad your sorted Rich. vinyl is great when it clicks for you.
stairpost
20-03-2015, 14:35
Glad your sorted Rich. vinyl is great when it clicks for you.
Cheers Grant, it makes it all worthwhile doesn't it?
stairpost
20-03-2015, 14:38
It's really interesting to hear everyone has different experiences with cart choice, did everyone else start with the Exact and replace it afterwards?
stairpost
20-03-2015, 14:41
Hi Rich
I tried a 2m Red but that didn't float my boat, then I tried a Denon dl110 which was a revelation, for the money and outstanding cart. I then went a little more expensive and bought a Nagoaka MP500 and an AT150mlx from Japan (a family member there sent them to me so very good price), the Nag was just beautiful, the AT was almost as good but was half the price so kept that and sold tha Nag. The AT is a cart I could live with very happily.
I have sold the Rega now and have a Funk Firm TT with another AT cart, an LOMC AT OC9/iii, another great cart.
If you enjoy the exact there's no need to change, I just didn't enjoy it that much. It's a personal taste.
I do wonder if I should just stop chatting about carts, I might talk myself into being unhappy again. I shall enjoy just enjoy it while I am content, always interesting to hear others paths though.
It's really interesting to hear everyone has different experiences with cart choice, did everyone else start with the Exact and replace it afterwards?
I haven't heard the Exact and spent plenty of time reading up on it. I had previously heard the Elys on a P25 and wasn't happy with it, hence my reservations, although the Exact is supposedly a far better cartridge. Highly divided opinions put me off the Exact as I was buying without audition, but as Denons have been my favourite cartridges on other turntables I decided to stick with them.
I've got a Nagaoka MP110 which I might try eventually but I don't feel the need change the Denon at the moment.
stairpost
22-03-2015, 16:27
I haven't heard the Exact and spent plenty of time reading up on it. I had previously heard the Elys on a P25 and wasn't happy with it, hence my reservations, although the Exact is supposedly a far better cartridge. Highly divided opinions put me off the Exact as I was buying without audition, but as Denons have been my favourite cartridges on other turntables I decided to stick with them.
I've got a Nagaoka MP110 which I might try eventually but I don't feel the need change the Denon at the moment.
I must admit I read an awful lot of opinions on the RP6/Exact pairing too, lots of both in favour and against. Mine was coming with the Exact as it was picked up 2nd hand and I have to say I am happy, maybe in a year or so I might think of changing it.
I am still tempted by an Electrocompaniet ECP1 phono stage though.
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