I was one of the generation that sold their vinyl in the 90's and replaced everything on cd. To be honest i havent worried too much since but the recent vinyl uplift and limited edition releases have led me to acquire a handful (such as Kate Bush) just because owning a limited edition gatefold lp is still cool. Anyway as my wife uses the main lounge all the time i was given the green light to set up a conservatory digital system which was a Denon Piccolo and Tangent Evo speakers.
I have been thinking of adding another source and watching a few rega auctions over about 12 months but never actually bid. This week was my first work break in 6 months and at the weekend a local seller put up a RP1 which i decided to buy as i could collect and try out this week. If i am honest i would have loved a new RP3 but £525 new felt too much to add to a Denon Piccolo amplifier.
Collecting the RP1 and set it up - i dont have a phono stage and this was sold with a budget B-Tech BT26 which at least enabled me to set up and play. It isnt quite standard as it also has with - SRM acrylic platter and isolation pads, white belt, bias 2 cartridge, ceramic bearing and a top bracer. If there is any downside the lid has some marks when in sunlight but it isnt too bad. But i liked how it looked and it wasnt a black table (my wifes one specific request).
It actually sounds pretty amazing, whilst it isnt supposed to be in my main system it is there at the moment and gives my expensive CD player a decent run for its money. I will give a while to see if the bug lasts, it is enjoyable to play records again.
My question or feedback would be whether to bother upgrading anything else. It doesnt feel that necessary for the 2nd system but a better phono stage is i expect the way to go (any opinions on which ?). I may of course get sucked into buying a better table one day - maybe this is pretty close to an RP3 now anyway which isnt bad for £275 all in with a basic phono box (so far). I expect i could get my money back if did sell to upgrade one day.
Would be great to hear from more vinyl experts. My next door neighbour has a Rega Planar 2 with the wooden trim which i always liked but i think mine may sound better to be honest - i will have to take it round a do a back to back test i think.
I have been thinking of adding another source and watching a few rega auctions over about 12 months but never actually bid. This week was my first work break in 6 months and at the weekend a local seller put up a RP1 which i decided to buy as i could collect and try out this week. If i am honest i would have loved a new RP3 but £525 new felt too much to add to a Denon Piccolo amplifier.
Collecting the RP1 and set it up - i dont have a phono stage and this was sold with a budget B-Tech BT26 which at least enabled me to set up and play. It isnt quite standard as it also has with - SRM acrylic platter and isolation pads, white belt, bias 2 cartridge, ceramic bearing and a top bracer. If there is any downside the lid has some marks when in sunlight but it isnt too bad. But i liked how it looked and it wasnt a black table (my wifes one specific request).
It actually sounds pretty amazing, whilst it isnt supposed to be in my main system it is there at the moment and gives my expensive CD player a decent run for its money. I will give a while to see if the bug lasts, it is enjoyable to play records again.
My question or feedback would be whether to bother upgrading anything else. It doesnt feel that necessary for the 2nd system but a better phono stage is i expect the way to go (any opinions on which ?). I may of course get sucked into buying a better table one day - maybe this is pretty close to an RP3 now anyway which isnt bad for £275 all in with a basic phono box (so far). I expect i could get my money back if did sell to upgrade one day.
Would be great to hear from more vinyl experts. My next door neighbour has a Rega Planar 2 with the wooden trim which i always liked but i think mine may sound better to be honest - i will have to take it round a do a back to back test i think.