Opinions on Rega P8 and Technics SL1300G

[Entrigo]

Planning an upgrade from my Technics SL1500C and I am thinking about either the Rega (have an Elex-R amp and an Aria phono on the way) or the Technics 1300G, as a natural upgrade on my current deck, which I like well enough (I have sub-zero interest in the DJ looks of the 1200s).

I am fully comfortable with the various specs, build quality, differences in design, convenience and the like. And I will of course demo both before deciding.

Just keen to hear from people who heard both and how they compare in terms of sound signature etc.

NB this is not meant to be a "love Technics hate Rega" and viceversa thread - Just balanced views if possible... 🙌

 

[davidf]

Technics will sound more accurate (CD like) presentation, whereas the Rega will be softer, warmer, more representative of what many people think vinyl sounds like. You'll likely prefer one or the other once you do listen, but you might feel one or the other suits if your genre of music preference is a narrow one.

 

[The_Lecht_Rocks]

I’ve a Rega P6 ND7 into my NAIT 50..
it’s rather lovely and impressive… I wonder if an RP8 offers much more than the RP6 with the new ND7 ?
What cartridge are you considering

 

[daytona600]

You can change the DJ look
Have a Technics & Rega myself

 

[Entrigo]

Technics will sound more accurate (CD like) presentation, whereas the Rega will be softer, warmer, more representative of what many people think vinyl sounds like. You'll likely prefer one or the other once you do listen, but you might feel one or the other suits if your genre of music preference is a narrow one.

Thanks for that. Good point. I guess me upgrading is also to get closer to higher definition as in digital music - I am sure it will anyway not sound "cold". I tend to listen to rock mainly, which led me to Rega as an amp, due to its rhythmic drive - and I indeed really enjoy it. Possibly the Elex-R (which I chose over the newer MK4 as a smidgen warmer) would complement the Technics. Ah and the Aria phono...

 

[Entrigo]

I’ve a Rega P6 ND7 into my NAIT 50..
it’s rather lovely and impressive… I wonder if an RP8 offers much more than the RP6 with the new ND7 ?
What cartridge are you considering

I demoed the P6 with ND5 and wasn't bowled over to be honest - as in, I didn't feel it was better than my Technics with AT-VM540ML. Though it has to be said the ND5 was probably not in the best shape (was noticeably louder on one channel). It definitely stepped up with the Ania, which I guess it's closer to the ND7.

If I went for the P8 I would probably go for the Ania or even Ania Pro. As per the Technics, possibly the AT-33PTG or might try the Ortofon black.

 

[Entrigo]

You can change the DJ look
Have a Technics & Rega myself
View attachment 8831View attachment 8832

Haha that's one way. I like the simple look of the 1300 (which is pretty much the same as the 1500) though so not sure about boxing it in.

 

[daytona600]

I tend to listen to rock mainly, which led me to Rega due to its rhythmic drive

Almost every record cut for the last 50years used a lathe with a technics DD motor and Ortofon Cuting heads
https://&pspatialaudio.com/lathes.htm

 

[Entrigo]

I tend to listen to rock mainly, which led me to Rega due to its rhythmic drive

Almost every record cut for the last 50years used a lathe with a technics DD motor and Ortofon Cuting heads
https://&pspatialaudio.com/lathes.htm

View attachment 8839

Wow OK that's great bit of info. Thanks.

 

[plastic penguin]

In all truth it'll be down to aesthetics rather than sound difference. I don't disagree they sound a little different, but either one, sonically, will tick many of your boxes. If I had to choose these two it would be a flip of a coin: Heads you win, tails you win.... 😉

 

[Entrigo]

In all truth it'll be down to aesthetics rather than sound difference. I don't disagree they sound a little different, but either one, sonically, will tick many of your boxes. If I had to choose these two it would be a flip of a coin: Heads you win, tails you win.... 😉

Hahaha yeah I suspect very much that. Aesthetics and price I guess - considering my near constant itch to upgrade gear, it might make more sense for me to buy used...

Actually nearly pulled the plug on a used P8 with Ania Pro last week - before demoing, as I just can't resist a bargain. It didn't happen (long story involving the Ania Pro not being a Pro but likely an older Ania "standard", so also likely not "two months old" - as well as a a burglary happened while the seller was checking the cart...).

 

[nopiano]

I own a Michell TecnoDec, which I’ve had since 2011. It’s a lovely thing, which I chose over a Rega at the time because of the finer finish. (When sitting down, I could see an ugly nut holding the bearing on the Rega). It was £650 then, but £2,000 now. Still worth a look.

A couple of years ago I scratched an itch with the Technics SL-1210GR and an AT VM95ML. It is very solid, sounds extremely well, likely to last, and operates dependably except for the poor cueing action. Lovely and quiet, no rumble except on the LPs recorded near Underground lines!

@davidf summed up the differences well.

I’d be happy with either of your alternatives, but I’d have the Technics for the versatility and removable headshell.