Advice or opinions sought, regarding replacing Rega6 with..... something ?

[Gmanuk101]

HI All

I've been the proud owner of a Rega RP6 with 2M blue cart for 5 years now, and I would like to change to another TT, so I'll probs be selling the Rega and putting that cash towards purchase.. looking at MM decks and that's what my stage is (no MC for now).

Any recommendations, ones to look out for, I don't mind the Rega deck at all, but I'm after something slightly upgraded etc... I've only ever owned a modded Techy 1210 then the Rega for 5 years now.

I like natural warm, full sounding playback.. I'm not fussed if I can hear Justin from Godflesh cry or anything as detailed.

any suggestions? budget probs £1000 max

thanks folks.

Graeme

[Mikeandvan]

Trying changing the cart? Or tonearm? Or asking this question in Analogue section?

[Gmanuk101]

no worries buddy,,,I'm not interested in changing the RP6, but will sell to change to another deck.

Admin: is this post not permitted in this section? If not please let me know, I will delete it and ask in the Analogue section. thanks

[Gmanuk101]

to Admin: thank you for moving to the correct place.

[Gazjam]

Hmnn,
strikes me as a bit of a side move Graeme to be honest?

Given the quality of your phono amp, and your amps in general your systems revealing enough to hear what your RP6 can do.
With it’s current 2M blue your not hearing it at its best imo.

The turntables got untapped potential.
Sell it, you’ll get a lot less than its worth, and given your budget you won’t get much noticeably better.

If it were me I’d keep the Rega, make sure it’s setup properly and use your budget to get as good a cartridge within your budget.
Dynavectors work great on Regas.

The 2M Black would be a worthy step up, and leave change to spare for gigs or more vinyl.

[Gmanuk101]

Hmnn,
strikes me as a bit of a side move Graeme to be honest?

Given the quality of your phono amp, and your amps in general your systems revealing enough to hear what your RP6 can do.
With it’s current 2M blue your not hearing it at its best imo.

The turntables got untapped potential.
Sell it, you’ll get a lot less than its worth, and given your budget you won’t get much noticeably better.

If it were me I’d keep the Rega, make sure it’s setup properly and use your budget to get as good a cartridge within your budget.
Dynavectors work great on Regas.

The 2M Black would be a worthy step up, and leave change to spare for gigs or more vinyl.

good advice..! thanks buddy

[YNWaN]

The RP6 you already own is a fine sounding deck but I wouldn’t describe any of Rega’s decks as having the “warm, full sounding” you say you are after - is this where your wish to change stems from?

[Gmanuk101]

The RP6 you already own is a fine sounding deck but I wouldn’t describe any of Rega’s decks as having the “warm, full sounding” you say you are after - is this where your wish to change stems from?

probably, I tend to over analyse at times.

[Jac Hawk]

My advice for what it's worth is keep the deck, it's got untapped potential as already stated, get a new cart and or arm, i'm using an Audio Technica Art 9 on a Audiomods Series 6 arm and it sounds fantastic

[struth]

Yes, think for budget you might struggle to improve on the deck by much. Certainly the arm might be bettered, and carts are a personal thing really but modern AT's are quite good value

[montesquieu]

For £1k you should get a well-fettled Lenco project or even a Garrard 401 with a respectable arm on it. Either will have a shed more boogie factor and a much more extensive upgrade path, with with arms, plinths, power supplies, metal mats to play with and of course well up for a switch to MC at some future date if you want to. (Though far from necessary). Or break the bank and go for a Thorens TD124. An idler will give you all the warmth and fun factor you are looking for.

[Clint H]

HI Graeme

I currently have an RP6, wonderful deck for the money I paid (ex demo) originally I put a 2M bronze cartridge on it & it was nice but not as musical as I would have liked. I put a Nagaoka MP200 on the RP6 & it was a match made in heaven for my ears, just so much more musical than the Bronze. Nagaokas work well on Rega arms too.

[YNWaN]

I suppose that what I was angling at with my earlier post is that I would be suspicious of any turntable that actively contrived to create a “warm, full sounding” impression of music, because it would do this for every record whether such an interpretation is valid or not. I would also say that such a description of a designs sound quality is, in my experience, a description of a design that actively obscures detail and nuance.

[montesquieu]

I suppose that what I was angling at with my earlier post is that I would be suspicious of any turntable that actively contrived to create a “warm, full sounding” impression of music, because it would do this for every record whether such an interpretation is valid or not. I would also say that such a description of a designs sound quality is, in my experience, a description of a design that actively obscures detail and nuance.

You could turn that quite easily on its head - be suspicious of any turntable that actively contrives to give the impression of being exceptionally detailed, at the expense of warmth and musicality ...

Indeed, that was what, after some months of having them sat together side by side, that persuaded me to get shot of the Voyd 3-motor in favour of a TD124. The Voyd typically gave the impression of being airy, detailed and slightly thinner than the TD124, which had bags more snap, musicality and emotional connection. Ultimately, when you really examined the issue, they both had similar levels of detail, but the presentation differed enormously. I could imagine someone making the call the other way if that presentation floated their boat, but it was a no brainer for me. (That and pretty much all belt drives barring the very high mass ones tend to sound a bit wobbly on speed to me). Since then I've tricked out the TD124 with Longdog PSU, Schopper platter and bearing, permali plinth, Ikeda arms etc and it just keeps on getting better.

If the OP wants a warmer, fuller sound, then he ought to hear some idlers at least before throwing more money down the Rega/belt drive route.

[Gmanuk101]

thanks to everyone who commented, appreciate the advice. after a think and a few bays.. I've gone with the 2M Black.

My arm is the RB303, now the question is do I need to shim or not? some say yes, some say no.. confusing. my 2M blue doesn't need it (or at least my ears say so)...

what do you recon?

[Gmanuk101]

Let's not focus on my description, its probably not the same thoughts as others.. I'd ignore it ;)

[Gazjam]

thanks to everyone who commented, appreciate the advice. after a think and a few bays.. I've gone with the 2M Black.

My arm is the RB303, now the question is do I need to shim or not? some say yes, some say no.. confusing. my 2M blue doesn't need it (or at least my ears say so)...

what do you recon?

Good you’ve made a call and got a better cart mate.

If your keeping the deck and want even more from it down the line, you can get the arm strip-polished, foam filled and rewired by Jony at Audio Origami in Glasgow.
Would be a big upgrade on an already great arm for not a massive cost, and alongside a good cart like you have, truly max out what your RP6 can do.
http://www.audioorigami.co.uk/tone-arm-rewires/

On my old Gyro, had my Michell Technoarm (Rega based) upgraded by Jon and it came back sounding much better, and it was no slouch to begin with.
Highly recommended.

Rega decks aim to be neutral, and bring out what’s on the record without adding any artificial bloom to the sound, think snappy and correct as opposed to warm and woolly.
Had a Lenco and heard quite a few Gerrards and sometimes they can have that warm “turntable-ey” sound that’s associated with vinyl.

Nothing wrong with that of course, pick your favourite flavour.
:)

[Gmanuk101]

Good you’ve made a call and got a better cart mate.

If your keeping the deck and want even more from it down the line, you can get it strip-polished, foam filled and rewired by Jony at Audio Origami in Glasgow.
Would be a massive upgrade on the arm for not a massive cost, and alongside a good cart like you have, truly max out what your RP6 can do.
http://www.audioorigami.co.uk/tone-arm-rewires/

Had my old Michell Technoarm (Rega based) upgraded by Jon and it came back sounding much better, and was no slouch to begin with.
Highly recommended.

Rega decks aim to be neutral, and bring out what’s on the record without adding any artificial bloom to the sound, think snappy and correct as opposed to warm and woolly.
Had a Lenco and heard quite a few Gerrards and sometimes they can have that warm “turntable-ey” sound that’s associated with vinyl.

Nothing wrong with that of course, pick your favourite flavour.
:)

nice one buddy, I'll look into that tonearm upgrade..
I've just ordered a new belt and a Mitchel Engineering record clamp

My description of sound is crap - and most of my gear is nice and neutral..

thanks again buddy, G.

[Gmanuk101]

sweet baby Jesus.. you had to share that audiooragami link didn't you.... good job I'm going out today to buy records.. otherwise my credit card would be a bit hot! Dear Santa... lol

[Gazjam]

sweet baby Jesus.. you had to share that audiooragami link didn't you.... good job I'm going out today to buy records.. otherwise my credit card would be a bit hot! Dear Santa... lol

Sorry man, had to be done. :D
your welcome!

[Gmanuk101]

Sorry man, had to be done. :D
your welcome!

Ive emailed them already ;-)

[Gazjam]

Let us know how you get on, and what you think once the arms back...Assumimg your going to pull the trigger.
(and you should!)

[Gmanuk101]

got a reply, he's stowed off until after the silly season. I'm out of contract over new Year so may take a jaunt up to Glasgow at some point

[Gmanuk101]

Let us know how you get on, and what you think once the arms back...Assumimg your going to pull the trigger.
(and you should!)

I've selected these upgrades - 1) Cardas Premium Cartridge Tags
2) Rewire - Cardas 33ga ofc Copper litz
3) Pure Silver Plated Finished (inc foam fill)

backed with a 2M black, think this will give it a kick; what you recon mate?

[Gazjam]

It'll be a bigger kick (with none of the audiophilia nervosa) than your original plan of selling the RP6 and starting again with a different turntable.
Good move fella, Jony really is the top man when it comes to improving tonearms.

For your budget, for me, going down this route is the biggest bang for buck you'd get.

Hannibal approved too...

https://36189j36kqkx1wejny1vzn9t-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/The-A-Team.jpg

[Gazjam]

Gimme a shout if your heading up North of the Wall mate, some great records shops up here.

[topoxforddoc]

Have you got a wet vacuum record cleaning machine yet? If you don't have one, put that at the top of your upgrade list.

[montesquieu]

Have you got a wet vacuum record cleaning machine yet? If you don't have one, put that at the top of your upgrade list.

Good advice. (Though I sold my Loricraft PRC6 after getting a Degritter which is wet, but ultrasonic rather than vacuum - either way makes a huge difference to using vinyl).

[Gmanuk101]

I haven't no, I was going to get a Knosti one, the hand turn machine.

cant really afford an expensive one

[Gazjam]

I use a record machine from a guy in Brazil for the last 5 years or so, uses your own vacuum cleaner, it is as effective as much more expensive ones.
Not sure it’s being made anymore, but worth mentioning for the Youtube video alone. :)


https://youtu.be/X_vVecWymrk

[montesquieu]

I use a record machine from a guy in Brazil for the last 5 years or so, uses your own vacuum cleaner, it is as effective as much more expensive ones.
Not sure it’s being made anymore, but worth mentioning for the Youtube video alone. :)


https://youtu.be/X_vVecWymrk


that looks pretty cool!

[Gazjam]

Works a treat!
I use it with “The Right One” record cleaning fluid, jobs a good ‘un.

https://youtu.be/KKuG5dUg3AQ

[Gmanuk101]

fantastic!!!

[Gazjam]

If that ones not available, there’s another “working man’s” RCM that gets equally good write ups.
Guys over on the American forum of Steve Hoffman really like it.

£95 sound alright?

https://squeakycleanvinyl.com/products/squeakycleanvinyl-mk-iii

https://youtu.be/QbphnT1d-ys

[WESTLOWER]

I use a record machine from a guy in Brazil for the last 5 years or so, uses your own vacuum cleaner, it is as effective as much more expensive ones.
Not sure it’s being made anymore, but worth mentioning for the Youtube video alone. :)


https://youtu.be/X_vVecWymrk

slightly disturbing mahhosive knife !!

[YNWaN]

It seems to be a YouTube meme that any vid needing anything cutting open (no matter how tiny or irrelevant) requires the use of a ridiculously OTT knife!

———-

I’ve had a full ultrasonic cleaning rig for about two years now and still can’t be bothered to unbox it!

[Gmanuk101]

ha ha looks like my old dive knife!

2M black fitted.... wow..! I love new old records ;-~)

[Gazjam]

The knife matches the psycho music...
love the way it’s been edited.

[Gmanuk101]

aye, the person who did the vi (or the music edit) have a good sense of comedy :)

[Gmanuk101]

got the upgrade bug and probably a present to my deck (oh dear, It's now a member of the family again..lol). and was looking at acrylic platters.

I sit a cork mat on top of the stock glass platter.

does anyone recommend platters? or have indeed used any? if so, what performance upgrade have you heard?

upgrades set for Jan 2020.

cheers
G

[Jac Hawk]

If you're looking at a new arm and you have a Rega, don't forget the Audiomods arms they are fantastic and great value for money

[steve-z]

Have you thought about upgrading to the latest RB330 arm ?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Gmanuk101]

If you're looking at a new arm and you have a Rega, don't forget the Audiomods arms they are fantastic and great value for money

thanks buddy I'll check them out.

[Gmanuk101]

Have you thought about upgrading to the latest RB330 arm ?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

hey buddy, I hadn't thought of that no.. I'll have a read about the 330, thanks man.

[steve-z]

hey buddy, I hadn't thought of that no.. I'll have a read about the 330, thanks man.

My Planar 3 has the RB330 onboard and I think it contributes about 90% to the sound quality of the turntable and in real terms the price at £365 is not excessive.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[JohnG]

I'll add a knowledge of recent experience I have had a input to, and hopefull it will help with your pondering.
I recently introduced my Local HiFi Group at one the regular meetings,
to a PTP Solid 9 with Nigel Speed Controller.
This was put up against a owner Modified TD 125, which had as a result of the extensive works side lined the owners LP12.
The PTP Solid 9 left a very good impression, and for the TD 125 , LP 12 owner a new journey was to begin in TT's.

Shortly after this meeting a opportunity arose to acquire a Lenco GL78 from a free ad,
it was local, I picked it up and donated it to the TD 125 owner, he has been a duck to water, and has began the honing his Lenco Fettler Skills.

Others in the group are also now Lenco owners as well, and the interest has really took hold.
For the TD 125 owners Lenco, a basic service and New Tonearm that has been mounted on a Standalone Pod, have taken it to the front end role in his set up.
With a New Plinth and Speed Controller these TT's are hard to put down.

Just recently one has been compared to a extremely expensive TT > Tonearm, and the reports returned following the meeting was that there was not a lot to separate the two, with the expensive set up having the lead.
That is a lot to be said for a basic fettle on a Lenco.

Again when the GL78 is set up in a new plinth, with a Tonearm coupled in the plinth, with a Speed Controller, and maybe a Platter Spindle Bearing exchange, this will leap forward another measurable amount in improved SQ.

The good news for the OP is that a not too far drive South, there is a BTE Design GL75 for sale by BTE at very fair money/ a steal in my words.
I have heard these designs personally, and believe they are produced to a high quality of design considerations for a Lenco.
The fact the vendor is more than happy to entertain a demonstration makes the introduction experience all the more educational, as the BTE guys are very knowledgeable on these decks.
I an totally impartial to the vendor, but I am very partial to a Lenco Fettle
If the OP would like further info I can be PM'd

[Gmanuk101]

Hey buddy, thanks for all the info and taking your time to post, it's appreciated heaps. ~It's certainly info for consideration in the future as I've decided to stay with the Rega and give a little tlc with new belt, cart and after new year some tonearm work. thanks again buddy, all the best, G.