Rega P3 or Technics SL100C

[RoA]

I had the Rega previously but the Technics looks good. Which one would you have?

 

[Gray]

Rega are local to me (and I've worked there), so I shouldn't be disloyal......but.
I've always liked the look of that 1500C 🤔
I would be interested to hear both decks, using the same cartridge to play the same 12" 45rpm test vinyl.
Not least to also hear what the built-in phono preamp on the technics is like.

 

[RoA]

I was more thinking about the 100c as I do not need the pre amp or the included cartridge but yes, I get why you think so.

Ideally I’d have the Technics deck with the Rega RB330 arm but lets not go there 😀.

My interest in vinyl this time round is limited and does not warrant a big outlay just as it didn’t with my recent purchase of a cd transport. I stream at least 95% of the time.

 

[Integralista]

Hi, you have opened very interesting thread. I am 26 years user of Rega turntables, P25 and P9 2nd generation. So I have afinity to Rega. Technics is very good, reliable brand. They have produced around 4 milions of turntables. Technics has more massive sound with a bit boosted bass and a big slam in bass (typical for direct drive turntables). For rock, pop, metal, hardrock, electronic this will be better. Rega typicaly is very precise, rytmic and dynamic sounding turntable. It has also better 3D image but less massive bass. For jazz, soul, new age, vocal, classical music I think better. Technics has also some typical comfort features like autostop at the end of LP. Rega is fully manual. So choice is up to your taste and your system. Rega is very good when used with their cartridge, phonopreamp, amp, speakers etc. There is a real synergy. Technics will need also very good cartridge to show its best. I recommend you to read very good review from Mr. Fremer: https://trackingangle.com/equipment/technics-sl-100c-is-a-grand-bargain
BR.

 

[Gray]

I was more thinking about the 100c

Ah yes sorry I misread the thread title.
Yes the 100C is a better choice than the 1500C for many - and cheaper as a bonus.

I've got the RB-300 arm on a Thorens 160S - that currently gets no use - so I need to stop liking the look of Technics turntables 🙂

 

[nopiano]

I think this debate is very similar to the recent one here…

Thread 'Opinions on Rega P8 and Technics SL1300G'

Apr 6, 2025

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...

• Entrigo
• Replies: 13
• Forum: Turntables and LPs

 

[Rui]

i have a Rega turntable but i would choose a Technics turntable first always , and bought the Rega as the Technics SL-1000R or G is a upgrade of my old SL-1000MK II and being able to listen to both at the same time ,i think after seeing the promotion video by Technics i wouldn´t trade my 79 SL-1000 MK II for the new said to be better but not half of the 79 mk II quality, both diferent worlds either the Rega or the new Technics

 

[Al ears]

I had the Rega previously but the Technics looks good. Which one would you have?

I'd take the Technics but ditch the cartridge it comes with....
Who fits conical stylus to their cartridges these days?? Oh! hang on....

 

[daytona600]

Use several cartridges with NUDE Spherical styli
Denon , Shure , Ortofon , Grado , Jico , Decca & my dream cartridge ( The Tzar DST ) Spherical tracking @ 6grams would buy one in a heartbeat if i had $10,000

 

[Al ears]

Use several cartridges with NUDE Spherical styli
Denon , Shure , Ortofon , Grado , Jico , Decca & my dream cartridge ( The Tzar DST ) Spherical tracking @ 6grams would buy one in a heartbeat if i had $10,000 View attachment 8935

Yep. But this has a conical tip.

 

[daytona600]

Conical & Spherical terms used for the same round 07mil round styli profile Al


.

 

[Al ears]

My mistake. I had elliptical in my head...

 

[Rui]

Use several cartridges with NUDE Spherical styli
Denon , Shure , Ortofon , Grado , Jico , Decca & my dream cartridge ( The Tzar DST ) Spherical tracking @ 6grams would buy one in a heartbeat if i had $10,000 View attachment 8935

there´s a new stylus and cartridge, at least for me from gold note that i found it very good sounding, just can´t remenber the name or model

 

[Tbude]

I have both the SL1500c (With 2M blue or 95ML) and the rega P3 50th anniversary as stock. They are both fine turntables and I would be happy with either. I struggle to sell one vs the other as they both bring something different to the musical experience. In my system the main difference is the P3 is a little warmer with more tone density, plus a sense of speed that has me tapping my feet and not thinking about the technicalities. The SL1500 has rock solid imaging and detail and wows with what it seems to pull from the grooves, it has me peering into the music through its lovely soundstage.

P3 has me eyes closed, leaning back and nodding/taping feet, sl1500 has me wide eyed and leaning forward into the music. If I were pushed to choose, I would stick with the SL1500 as I am sure it will scale with much better cartridges, but P3 seems like Rega have already optimised the design of the P3 50th anniversary.