Okay the usual advice applies you need to have a good listen to a few decks.
With a Rega you get what it says on the tin. Factory fitted with a cartridge and off you go. A Linn is great, not my favourite sounding deck but once set up off you go again. But my favourites when I auditioned were the Roksan Xerxes and the Avid Volvere, both exhibited true dynamics and involvement.
Good luck,
Lindsay
PS: Yes the Michell is definitely worth a listen.
Here is a pic of phono/PS and also current TT if it helps at all.
I think I might do 2-3 different demoās. First a setup with my Rp6 vs one with aria/ania and maybe power supply. If happy with that, job done if not a second demo with RP10/gyrodec and the Roksan, but I also need to find out where my local lp12 specialist is and that will be a 3rd session ā¦ crikey not as easy as I was thinking !
Could be worth seperating the power supply and phono stage and see if that makes a difference. If they are anything like Naim boxes there will be an audible difference to be had for zero cost. Even if you have to put the PS on the floor I think you should give it a try.
I just had a look at the What Hifi review of the Aria phono stage. Perhaps relevant here they used the RP6/Exact to test the MM input on the Aria.
Thank you. I will have a search and read that article.
I think it would be worth trying to separate what looks like a motor power supply and a phonostage, to get more from your existing set.
IME Rega bias (anti-skating) is best set at about half the tracking force, since the arms seem to be over-biased. Please try that too if you havenāt already.
how can you tell if the tracking is right?
i found that on the ārightā setting the arm woudlnāt go down straight so i reduced it and now it does - Iāll confess I didnāt really know what I was doing but it seems okā¦
Thanks @Steve I have separated the phono and PS and yes a marked difference. Much much nicer now, but still not quite up to the HDX, albeit marginally now rather than very obvious. I did not think the Rega boxes stacked would make that much difference with the small amount of power going through them. Yet again I am very wrong ! Big thank you.
Great news!! Sometimes the simplest things are the ones we miss. We have all done it many times! Just imagine what a cartridge upgrade could do now!!
Another vote for you have a great TT in the RP6. Consider a serious cartridge upgrade and phono stage. If I had the funds I would look at Apheta 2 and SuperLine.
@Steve Ha, I did not think my wallet would get away with it that easy. Must admit I am leaning towards phono/cart upgrade now. Fats Domino never sounded so good to me as he does at the mo, happy camper indeed.
Result! Rega Wallshelf, Neo and white belt next then. Happy days.
Hi, I can confirm, the Prime is a great turntable, and itās not that difficult to set up. Built is great indeed and sound is steady as a rock, precise and charming, no fatigue at all and all the needed details.
I actually use both LP12 and RP10.
Iād say - go for Rega RP10 but with an Aphelion cartridge. I found Apheta II too clinical and mechanical.
It is a seriously good source. Regaās Aria phonostage is a good place to start.
If your budget allows for it - Naim SuperLine is fantastic.
LP12, will last a lifetime.
Owned an RP6 / Exact II. Swapped for P6 / Ania. Suspect this will please you greatly. Make sure itās level and hit 2g tracking force. Bliss with XS-2.
If youāre still considering a turntable upgrade, given the vintage British engineering in your avatar how about a Garrard? I used to have an Orbe, now Iāve got a 301. Other vintage idlers are available, of course.
I had a full specād LP12 for 15 years and I wouldnāt recommend one. As you alluded to in your OP, itās a deep rabbit hole, a very expensive one. There are many upgrades, most are very expensive and give marginal improvements. I found I was never satisfied and looked to the next upgrade instead of just enjoying the music.
I know there are lots of happy LP12 owners, many on this forum. Also I know no one is forcing you to upgrade your deck but if itās there you are more likely to part with your money. This is only my experience though and Iām not knocking anyone or want they own.
Iād suggest a demo of one of the Well Tempered decks. The only downside is it doesnāt have a dust cover. This might be a deal breaker for you?
I decided to sell my LP12 last year and went for a couple of demos. I listened to the Rega 6 and 8 and both were very enjoyable. However when I moved onto the Versalex there was a big jump inā¦well everything really. I could try to describe every nuance but it would be futile. Basically it was the most engaging thing Iāve ever heard and it really blew me away. Within a few minutes I new Iād be buying one. Yes there was a jump in budget. I wonāt deny it but Iād hankered after one for years, just on looks alone. Thankfully it didnāt disappoint in the sound department either.
Apart from it sounding great and looking really cool, the other major selling point was the lack of an upgrade path. Basically spend as much as you can on a cartridge and Phono Stage. I have a Trilogy 906 BTW.
After years on the LP12 upgrade treadmill it was a welcome relief.
Good luck with your search and enjoy it.
Cheers
Rob
