Bottlehead Forum
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: oguinn on July 29, 2021, 07:11:28 PM
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I like my Schiit Sol a lot, but it’s gone out of production and I’m thinking about offloading it to defray the cost of something I can get replacement parts for reliably in the future. With that said, what turntables do people like for about $1,000? I have an Eros 2. I assume that cartridge is a more important consideration, but am interested in thoughts from this group.
Currently thinking a Rega P3.
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+1 on the Rega P3.
It's a great table with plenty of upgrade options. Mine worked super with the Elys cartridge and the Eros 2. I liked it so much, in fact, that I eventually upgraded to a P6. Count me a Rega TT fan.
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What Scott said about the P3.
Like everything in this (and every?) hobby most brands have their champions and detractors, comes down to trusted reviews, personal taste and more than a little faith.
Sounds like the Sol is the Schiit though, you will give up a lot of adjustment ability.
Karl
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Honestly I think I’m ok with that. I moved the turntable earlier this year and had a raft of adjustments I had to make just to get it back in shape, so something a little more… idiot proof… isn’t necessarily a downside.
I’m reading that with the upgrades for the P3 that it might be worth just saving up for the P6 and getting that instead. Thoughts?
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The P6 comes with the Neo PSU, a $400 upgrade from the P3 on its own. Same tonearm with SS counterweight. I believe the sub platter is also different.
I've done the aftermarket sub platter and counterweight mods to my P3.
Karl
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I would not recommend the Rega options if you plan to use a moving coil cartridges in the future. They use unshielded cables leaving the tonearm and send the earthing connection through one of the signal cables, so you may run into issues trying to use step-up transformers in the future.
Occasionally I see used LP-12s and some VPI models around here for sale for around $1000.
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Thanks Paul. I thought I recalled seeing something about Rega table issues on here recently. I’ll check those ones you mention out as well
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That may have been me with the suspected issues on the Rega turntable with MC cart.
In the end was able to rule out the turntable.
I upgrade from RP3 to RP6 then P8.
If I am honest, I think the RP6 was the sweetspot though it went to help fund the P8.
Now I have the P8 I will keep it but I suspect (know) I would have been happy keeping the RP6.
I still have the RP3 in another room and it is a great turntable.
Worth the upgrade to Elys.
Both RP3 and RP6 (now P3 and P6) were a lot less fussy than the P8 but I suspect that is down to the MC cart.
I will say that I found the change to Eros made a big improvement in sound. I don't know what the terminology is but it is a much easier listen.
Found the Rega phonos could be a little harsh/trebly/fatiguing on some music.
Improved with cables as it happens (which changed my view on impact of cable) but all solved with the Eros.
Hope this helps
Chris
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Does anyone have experience with MoFi tables? I listened to an Ultradeck in a store today, and it sounded pretty good (I brought my HD800S to get as close to at home as possible) but was listening on a McIntosh amplifier. Wondering how it matches up with Bottlehead gear, and whether MoFi stuff holds up over time.
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I am using a Rega P6 with a MC (Ania Pro) cartridge with no issues
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++1 for Rega TTs. I've owned a used P5 that got severely pimped over the years (every Groovetracer mod available) and then upgraded to a used RP10 which is probably the "final" table for me. Rega is also a great company to deal with. That RP10 had an issue with the motor controller and the local representative in TX replaced the entire pc board gratis despite being out of warranty and not being the original owner. Very pleased indeed. I now use the Rega Aphelion2 cart (just had to see what Rega's top of line sounds like and it's magnificent). Also, love Rega carts because mounting is a breeze with the (3) point/screw setup mated to Rega arms. For easy plug-and-play and great sound it's hard to imagine better than Rega.
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Deb - did you have to install a step up transformer to use the Ania?
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Deb is currently in the Black Rock Desert launching rockets so she may not respond right away.
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Oh gosh, yeah, that sounds way more awesome than responding to a forum post.
Doc - would you go with SUTs with these specs: Nominal output voltage 350μV (.35mV)
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0.35mV isn't enough for an Eros. You'd want to add SUTs.
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Is this the Sowter SUT you recommend (with threaded grommets): 1990 1:10/1:20 Low Z Cartridge Transformer
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Yes, 1990s wired for 1:20 should be OK. If you're using that cartridge on a Rega arm and you experience hum, let me know, as there are some mods that can be done to separate the shield and signal cold in the tonearm wiring.
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Thanks PB. Still in the research stage. Considered going with a P6/Ania but wasn’t factoring in the $350ish extra for the SUTs. Probably be a couple months.
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You could get a P6 with a MM cart, then put the Sowters on order and enjoy the table while they are made. It will take some time to get them!
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Picked up a demo unit Rega P6 with the MM cartridge. I can wait to upgrade to the MC and SUTs later. Thanks for the advice.
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Rega P6 is in. Great sounding table! Good match with the Eros 2 - at least with the MM cartridge. I really thought that Schiit turntable sounded great, but this is much better.