Turntable Upgrade

Well of course absolutely none but a well maintained and setup 2nd hand example will make great music. But there’s never been a greater choice. This really depends on the OP’s budget.

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Rega and Linn
We have owned both Rega and Linn turntable.

Previously, we’ve owned a RP3 . Lovely deck :+1:

Then, a few years back, we brought a new Rega RP6 into our home.
Originally, it was fitted with an Exact MM. Over time, we changed cartridges to Ania MC and then Ania Pro MC. Upgraded originally supplied PSU, to newer NEO PSU. Also changing Rega Fono MM to Rega Aria Phono. All in all, that was a spend of under £2k, new items. Plus c.£750 for an ex-demo Aria.

Note : The equivalent spend today - in June 2023 - might be new P6 c/w Ania Pro MC @ c.£1870
Plus new Aria mk3 @ c.£1100. But you already have an Aria :wink:

In its later form, our RP6 sounded same / similar level compared to our original 1986 Linn LP12, (which was all original, with Linn Ittok LVII tonearm and Linn MM cartridge). Excepting for obvious sonic differences, sounding same or similar level of SQ.

Our LP12, as it was - good condition and original spec’ - would probably be valued at around £1400-1600 as pre-loved now. (You regularly find similar decks with local Linn dealers). My point being, you don’t need to spend a fortune on a good condition SH LP12 to get a decent sound.

Then, give it a dealer service. If you wish to go further, change just one or two key parts, (e.g. Karousel bearing and any of the Lingo PSU’s ). You do need a dealer to assist with the process. But, a few key changes or upgrades can make an old LP12 into a magical music maker. For not much £££.

The thing we like about our Rega is its simplicity. It’s easy to set up, out of the box, plonk a record on and just play records. We often unplug it and move it about the house. It never feels like a big deal. Our Linn LP12 is now our best source, (no longer original spec’, since upgraded ) and we are a little more careful moving it, ( or even using it ). But, the venerable old lady - updated to a version of Akurate / Selekt level - is now just sublime playing vinyl records.

If being self sufficient is your thing, the Rega is a better route forward. No fuss with Rega TT’s. (Not that a LP12 is much fuss really). It’s more about setting up a Rega and it just plays records. If you wish for more, you go up to next model. Simple.

Like many have suggested, draw up a short shortlist and go have some fun listening to those 2 or 3 decks, side by side. If you have already owned an RP3, you may prefer the sound of the Rega options ( P6 - P8 - P10 ) best.

The sweet spot might be P6, c/w Ania or Ania Pro. Alternatively P8, c/w Alpheta 3.
Choose to suit your budget?

Phono
Maybe hang onto your Aria for a while longer…
IMHO, it’s a better phono compared to StageLine.
(But, don’t take my word for it. Demo’ some other Phono’s - A/B comparison - and discover how capable the Rega Aria actually is).
If you continue with MM, the Phono input in your SN3 is good enough. Even great. (Fair enough, let the Aria go).
But, your Aria is perfect for MC cartridges, particularly the Rega ones.
You will be glad to have the Aria if you move up to MC cartridges.

Hope all those thoughts, reference points and comparisons are helpful to you…
Do let us all know - feedback - how you get on ?

Good luck
KR
R

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As others have said here there’s lots of good choices. The LP12 tends to be quite pernickety about set-up, the Rega decks are almost as hassle free as the Technics and the GyroDec is an interesting option too. It requires a bit of set-up (which should be done by your dealer) but after that it’s pretty much fit and forget for years and years.

A lot depends where you see yourself wanting to go with vinyl over the longer term. The Linn/Michell/Vertere options give you a lot more choices of arm upgrades so for example in my case I started with a basic Gyro with Rega arm, upgraded the power supply, upgraded the arm to SME IV, recently upgraded to the Orbe clamp and latest design springs and have used a variety of cartridges in it too. I’ve enjoyed that journey and the deck growing with me for over 20 years.

As you’re in Canada one other option springs to mind although it’s expensive! The Oracle Delphi - personally I think it’s one of the most beautiful turntables ever made…

JonathanG

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If the Rega decks are plug and play - what is it about the LP12 that isn’t?

The effects of having proper suspension on a turntable, once heard, can be hard to give up. However, the suspension means that an LP12 needs a bit of care on setup and needs an occasional reset/ service too.

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Hey @NickofWimbledon
Nicely put :+1:

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