Rega RP3/Rega Elys2 v Project Debut Carbon

[peatmoor pirate]

Hi

about to take the plunge with a turntable. My system is currently a Cambridge 640A amp, Dali Lektor 2 speakers. I have been advised that the Rega 3/Rega Elys2 with a Cambridge 651P phono stage would be a good combination with my existing kit. I have also looked at the Project Debut Carbon and he Rega RP1.

What I would like advice on is what benefits will I get for spending the extra couple of hundred quid on the Rega3/Rega Elys2? Will it really be noticeable with my other kit or would I need a more expensive amp/speakers to bring out the extra quality of the more expensive turntable.

I listen to all sorts of music but

 

[peatmoor pirate]

Oops, I seem to have started the same post twice. Not sure how that happened. Apologies. Please reply to the other one as this has missed out half my post.

Thanks

 

[stevebrock]

Your amp is more than ok for the Rega RP3/Ely 2

It is great sounding TT and I think the extra over the Project is well worth it.

The RP3 has lots of upgrade potential too, notably the TT PSU

You will notice greater detail & clarity, mpre bass over the RP1 - The RP1 is lovely budget deck however the RP3 is in a different league!

 

[peatmoor pirate]

Thanks Steve, most helpful. I think that am going to go down that route. A bit worried about manual speed changing. How easy is that?

 

[stevebrock]

You have to take the platter off to adjust the belt!

However if you upgrade to the TT PSU its just a switch! BTW the TT PSU is a signifacant upgrade!

 

[floyd droid]

You idle sod Steve , a psu just to save you lifting the platter .

Has your Rumours 2 x 45 turned up yet mate ?.

 

[drummerman]

Not wanting to upset anyone here but Rega's just seem to be cheap plints, motors etc holding a decent arm and even those are usually improved upon by upgrading certain parts. In all fairness though thats not unique to just Rega.

I haven't heard any of them other than on youtube so dont take the above comment to seriously but for the price of an RP3 you can get some very decent used turntables.

If new appeals then of course choice is pretty limited around that money and usually includes Project and Rega.

regards

 

[peatmoor pirate]

I do want to buy new given that i'm no expert but Drummerman, if you have any suggestions for things to look out for S/hand, I'd be interested. Thanks

 

[stevebrock]

Has your Rumours 2 x 45 turned up yet mate ?.

oh yes!

Superb!

 

[stevebrock]

cheap plinths

I agree, the RP6 is a bit more substantial - though Gandy had always advocated this approach and TBH they sound pretty good for the money!

 

[drummerman]

How am I supposed to know?

We all like what we use and I'm sure Floyd will come up with a few suggestions too but personally I'd look for something with suspension, a nicely machined platter, good bearings, fine tolerances, a good arm, nice motor, speed fine tuning and a lid, not necesseraly in that order.

This will inevitably lead you to a certain Swiss/German maker but there are others.

I am sure Regas are nice products so take my previous comments with a pinch of salt but if all the comments are to believed they need quite a bit of aftermarket love to get up to speed ... so to speak.

regards

 

[stevebrock]

I do want to buy new given that i'm no expert but Drummerman, if you have any suggestions for things to look out for S/hand, I'd be interested. Thanks

Buy new, initially - some people on here have had nightmares buying used TTs off ebay and especially if its your 1st TT you will save yourself some potential dissapointment.

Go with a Rega or Project, it will be a doddle to set up and get you into playing vinyl quicky with good results

 

[stevebrock]

I do want to buy new given that i'm no expert but Drummerman, if you have any suggestions for things to look out for S/hand, I'd be interested. Thanks

Buy new, initially - some people on here have had nightmares buying used TTs off ebay and especially if its your 1st TT you will save yourself some potential dissapointment.

Go with a Rega or Project, it will be a doddle to set up and get you into playing vinyl quicky with good results

 

[floyd droid]

Has your Rumours 2 x 45 turned up yet mate ?.

oh yes!

Superb!

Just a smidge better isnt it

 

[stevebrock]

Has your Rumours 2 x 45 turned up yet mate ?.

oh yes!

Superb!

Just a smidge better isnt it

and the rest

 

[peatmoor pirate]

Thanks everyone, appreciate the advice.

 

[Anonymous]

You idle sod Steve , a psu just to save you lifting the platter .

Has your Rumours 2 x 45 turned up yet mate ?.

That's why I got it :roll:

 

[plastic penguin]

Hi

about to take the plunge with a turntable. My system is currently a Cambridge 640A amp, Dali Lektor 2 speakers. I have been advised that the Rega 3/Rega Elys2 with a Cambridge 651P phono stage would be a good combination with my existing kit. I have also looked at the Project Debut Carbon and he Rega RP1.

What I would like advice on is what benefits will I get for spending the extra couple of hundred quid on the Rega3/Rega Elys2? Will it really be noticeable with my other kit or would I need a more expensive amp/speakers to bring out the extra quality of the more expensive turntable.

I listen to all sorts of music but

If you like Pro-ject I'd look at something like this: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pro-Ject-Project-Xpression-III-Mk3-Turntable-/390612034737?pt=UK_AudioTVElectronics_HomeAudioHiFi_Turntables&hash=item5af24aa4b1

Both Rega and Pro-ject have a minimalist aesthetics, and the Xpression MKIII should be a good lift over the Debut.

 

[drummerman]

Both Rega and Pro-ject have a minimalist aesthetics

Also known as barren or lack of any nice facilities

regards

 

[plastic penguin]

Both Rega and Pro-ject have a minimalist aesthetics

Also known as barren or lack of any nice facilities

regards

Yes, but for playing records they're ideal. If I wanted to kick-start a Jumbo jet I'd look elsewhere.

Understand that Rega produce good arms while the rest is debateable. Nevertheless the overall effect is very good for the money.

It's safe to assume that Totem speakers, Rega, and Arcam amp would be your nightmare system.

 

[peatmoor pirate]

thanks Plastic Penguin. Definitely will have a look at that one.

 

[DIB]

Having bought a few secondhand turntables over the years I would strongly recommend that you keep an eye out on the other hi-fi forums' classified sections (AOS,PFM,HFW etc.) rather than just looking at Ebay. For example my current P3 was bought for £200 all in with originally a Rega Bias cart off another forum and it was an absolute minter, came with everything, it was as if it was fresh out of the box.

Rega TTs are as dull as anything to look at but do their job very well indeed. Very easy to set-up, no faffing about and it's where I'd start and then if the bug bites then you can move onto something more exotic.

Personally I regret selling my old Systemdek IIX. What a great old TT that was, and fully fettled knocked any of the budget Rega and Pro-Ject models into a cocked hat.

.

 

[peatmoor pirate]

Many Thanks for the advice DIB

 

[peatmoor pirate]

So after much faffing about and thought, I've decided to audition both of the TT's with my own amp and speakers at a local Audi-T store. Very exciting and first time I've ever done anything like this. Am off on hols for 2 weeks so have arranged to do it when I come back on 6 Aug. Will let you guys know how it goes as I see my kind of request for help is fairly common on here so maybe it will help others

 

[Anonymous]

Good luck, happy holidays and enjoy the demo