I have nd555 as main source and 552/300, but to my surprice the family now likes idea of getting a record player for causal listening. Its really great with the nostalgic feeling of analogue and listening experience of taking a full record rather than zapping on tidal and spotify.
many many years ago I had a rega planar 2 so have limited experience. What are thoughts on a good player for this purpose that plays well, and can also be operated by family without being very sensitive.
Think they also prefer a “classic” look ie no weird stuff so initially looked at eg rega planar 6 or entry lp12 majik.
any thoughts highly welcome. Its the first time my wife ever made a suggestion for the hifi
Thanks Robert, I dont know what features we need. I would still like SQ to be good and dont know how P2 goes with my system/speakers. But good point w the pickup!
What a lovely idea, the rest of family wish to have some fun and play vinyl. To be encouraged for sure
Maybe pop off to the local audio dealer and listen to a few record players. As an example, visit a Rega dealer and listen to several options : Rega Planar 1 ; Rega Planar 2 ; Rega Planar 3 ; Rega Planar 6, etc, etc.
Then decide where you think you should be, ( for your family and you too ).
Don’t make the mistake of buying a cheap turntable, you will regret it quickly… given your system I will go to minimum on a P6 with an ND7, I went from a P3 to the P6, the difference is big!
The REGA are simple to install and adjust.
Don’t forget the preamp, the REGA Fono MM is a good base to start with.
Many thanks both! So Rega is the brand to focus on? I only have nice memories from the P2, but just wanted to be sure.
good idea to all go to a dealer to experience the decks and their looks
Indeed I am keen to get a deck that still gels with my system. the rega 8 is not that much more expensive than the p6, but looks may be a problem. Does not have a normal dust cover
For Planar 8 & 10, you’ve nailed it. Design aesthetics is such a personal thing.
FWIW, I’m not a fan of the skeletal design and so for that reason only, at that level, might look at other turntables, such as versions of LP12, etc.
Probably the same performance as the P8. Absolute pleasure to use, no springs to worry about, no belt to worry about and no bearing oil to worry about.
£1800 including arm, but you’ll need a cartridge. It’s a quality item, don’t know how they do it for that price.
Lars, my wife loves her heavily upgraded, vintage LP12. You can start with a very reasonably priced Majik and the journey starts there…
Best of luck
Simon
Edit: Of course a Selekt level LP12 would be more in keeping with you existing electronics.
If you can find a good local dealer with the right attitude, skills and experience, you can achieve better value with an appropriately specced pre loved ( with selected new parts) LP12 than buying a Majik off the shelf. just my experience.
You have a seriously high end system there Lars. I’m a big Vinyl guy, but IMO/IME you’ll need to spend a fair bit more than most of the suggestions so far to tempt you away from the ND555 in a meaningful way.
I’m assuming you are not UK based, so my top recommendation of visiting Leicestershire to spec up one of Peter’s used part LP12 builds with a budget of £5-7k I guess doesn’t work for you.
Otherwise, I’d try a Linn Selekt LP12, Vertere MG-1, Nottingham, Well Tempered. All brands I’ve heard make great music. Enjoy the adventure and good luck!
Do you have any vinyl? If not this seems to be a fun thing, in which case I start off with something like Rega P3 and Rega phono stage, try and visit a few record fares and see how it pans out. You can always upgrade. However, try not to compare the ND555 with any turntable, vinyl and digital just do things differently, neither is better and even a budget turntable like the P3 will present the music in a way that the best digital sources can’t.
I think @LindsayM is spot on here. Get a Rega P3. Was my first proper turntable when I was 18.
Enjoy it as something fun for the family. I won’t let anyone else touch my turntable as I don’t want them to be upset if they damage it! And if I damage it then that’s on me.
But with an entry level Rega you won’t have this problem. They are easy to live with too.
Assume Casual . There is always the temptation to buy something more than you need. I guess your system is in a family room so you could consider something attractive as well as sounding great. My second player is in the living room and was purchased as much for aesthetic appeal (my daughter wants it) as for sound quality. It’s a Project 2Xperience acrylic turntable. The Vertere DG1 also fits the bill. Just something to consider especially for family members who are not necessarily audiophiles.
Family use, needs to be Rega really. Easy to use and easy to repair. Bought my lad the Rega One system in September, took him four weeks to bust the stylus. He bought two spares.
. There is always the temptation to buy something more than you need. I guess your system is in a family room so you could consider something attractive as well as sounding great. My second player is in the living room and was purchased as much for aesthetic appeal (my daughter wants it) as for sound quality. It’s a Project 2Xperience acrylic turntable. The Vertere DG1 also fits the bill. Just something to consider especially for family members who are not necessarily audiophiles.