Family record player

Rega Planar 1 plus with phono stage + powered speakers. The family can play to their hearts content leaving the ‘posh’ system for the purpose it was bought. Other similar systems which provide great fun are available.

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Many thanks all - this is a goldmine of excellent advice. What I take away so far ahead of going to dealer is

Main advice to go rega and not too high, its for the family and should be ok if gets damaged. I live in Denmark so have good dealers but not too keen on 2nd hand. I guess thats a planar 3 (was my dream when had planar 2) or will also look at planar 6.

Denon looks super solid! Will test looks w family.

Only thing that is still on my mind is entry LP12. Its a legend and a looker, but maybe too fussy / sensitive for my purposes

i only have very few vinyls so would be a nce treasure hunt with kids and wife to expand. Still I do have a 40-50 vinyl starting point

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The LP12 Majik is a lovely deck. For the money a Rega or Technics maybe better value. I don’t know the ages of your family or how careful they are.

The more precious a turntable is the more annoyed you will be if it gets damaged.

I have a top spec Linn LP12 and anytime something goes wrong with it, it has been annoying and frustrating and expensive.

Sometimes with these things less is more and it sounds like it’s about having fun.

A demo will help and make some comparisons.

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Indeed Dan - its about having some fun with this. Kids are 9 and 11 so not nuclear anymore. All points to Rega.

lets see if my wife falls for the iconic lp12…

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Alternative could be a Project debut pro. Looks and sounds good, reasonably cheap and has a toggle speed switch. Ortofon cart from Denmark (but I would change the stock one)! Technics is a good shout too. Rega P3 eco is good value and looks smart

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The likelyhood is that you will develop an appreciation of ‘the sound of vinyl’, so best to avoid multiple upgrades by starting at a good level. By the time you are getting to P6 or P8, some of us here might think that you will have ‘exceeded digital’.

These are my opinions only and most definitely NOT intended to reopen a debate.

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With a 9 old child I would more go for something more solid, and probably on a P8 level : technics 1210 GR.

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If looking at pre-loved vinyl with the family, ease of use has to be priority especially if purchasing 12” singles (?) - in which case I would not want to mess around with belt/pulley changes. Any direct drive turntable (Technics, Denon) would offer a big advantage here unless spending money on an external power supply for a Rega, for example.

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I think the Technics SL-1300 G might be a better option as it loses the DJ touches and keeps things simple. Stands a good chance of fitting in with the system. Just pick the right cartridge and phono. Audio Technica and Rega will be your friends here.
I do agree that something solid, simple and easy for the family to use, which would take the LP12 out for me. Stay away from suspended decks.

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To do the rest of the system justice, then you would need something on a similar level, and if you want to keep it practical and traditional (to a point), with a full cover lid, then I’d be looking for a used Rega RP10 or an RP8. That way the skeletal design is somewhat masked by the outer plinth, and it comes with a full lid. Plus, the RP10 was Rega’s top of the line deck before the P10 and Naia, so should shine in your system. Add in superb manufacturer back up for peace of mind too.

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Many thanks! All very good points. Will look at the more robust options but also the rp8-10 are good ideas! Big thanks again, Lars

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The Rp10 with a Lyra Delos and bare Superline will put the Nd555 into difficulties.

I second the Rp10 . But would avoid a 9 years old child to manipulate it.

Or buy instead a laser LP machine. You insert the lp like a cd and press play.

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Technics turntables could be a very good family friendly option. They are well priced, solid and have a great reputation, as well as my recommendation for Rega turntables.

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A noble pursuit and I think you have been given all the right clues here. Some extra thoughts:

No LP12 recommended for young kids, suspension and developing coordination skills don’t match. Also affordable carts, preferably with replaceable styli, recommended.

In a wider context, adding a family turntable to a well-balanced high-end system fundamentally changes that system. In many ways, not the least positioning, and it will remain a fundamental mismatch, that you will want to upgrade, at which point it isn’t kid-friendly anymore.

I already saw a recommendation to start a second system and I would support that. That could also be something like the new Technics SL40-CBT into a great Naim Muso Qb via a decent rca>minijack cable. Sound will likely surprise you and easy to find room for.

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How about a nice turntable for you and the wife, And a cheap TT/amp/speakers set up for the kids,

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We will only have one main system in the apartment, the rest is bluetooth speaker/iphone stuff. In a house, i could see point of second system eg if I had a dedicated room for the main one. However I really like that the naim main system is playing in the living space where we spend most of our time… So will keep it at one system :slight_smile:

Interesting idea with a preowned rp10 which has the normal rega form factor. Hard to find it seems - I guess would need to buy from a dealer to be sure its in good condition …

You can get Bluetooth turntables now, Then if they respect the ritual of vinyl, let them use yours, I don’t have children near my system or speakers, let alone put a piece of vinyl on my turntable. :rofl:

Good luck

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I would go for a Linn LP12,still the best and a classic look,I think.

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Agreed that a LP12 fits all the bill. It’s classy, and such a pleasure to look at in the living room. If your wife and you looking to play old records via the deck, a mid-80s spec LP12 is surprisingly musical, warm and pleasant and don’t cost much. All old records just a get an ‘authentic’ sense to it.

imho it’s good even with new pressing albeit warm sounding for today’s standard and the kids may not fully into.

The suspended system is a proper concern tho – admittedly destroyed a few cantilevers in my first year with LP12, and my partner just afraid of the floating armboard/platter and stopped using…

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What about a Rega P1 Plus?