Question Setup

[JDB]

Hi guys! Could you help me out picking the best setup for a record player? I'm not really sure about brand (probably Rega), speakers and options. I would rather have a minimal setup than noticeable. KEF LSX II to me is a good option, because you can easily connect them on your TV by using ARC. That would be a benefit. But there is also the LSX II LT. I was recommended to use a phone stage. Which one is best and can you also connect a record player and phone stage on the LSX LT? Other recommendations are welcome!

 

[jjbomber]

Welcome to the forum. What is your budget?

 

[JDB]

Probably €1500-€2000,-

 

[Gray]

can you also connect a record player and phone stage on the LSX LT?

Yes, but you'd just need a small ADC (Analogue to Digital Converter) between phono amp output and LT optical digital input.
Whereas on the LSX, the phono amp output would go directly into the 3.5mm analogue input.

 

[jjbomber]

Probably €1500-€2000,-

OK, so euros. Which country do you live in?

 

[daytona600]

Project system

Colourful Audio System 2

All-In-One True HiFi Stereo Set incl. Debut EVO 2, MaiA S3, Speaker Box S2, Connect it LS E 3m, Damp it 6 different satin finishes Analogue warm sound experience Connectivity to TV, CD player, etc. High quality hand painted MDF Handmade in Europe

shop.project-audio.com

Technics SL-40CBT + 700 speakers

 

[JDB]

I'm from Amsterdam. Would the new Technics SL-50 have any competition? It's probably a sort of basic turntable from a major brand. Will it still be wise to consider Rega a Pro-Ject instead?

 

[Rodolfo]

I'm from Amsterdam. Would the new Technics SL-50 have any competition? It's probably a sort of basic turntable from a major brand. Will it still be wise to consider Rega a Pro-Ject instead?

I have no experience with any new, or recent, even, Technics; but my old SL has had no competition for ~10 years and counting --and I bought it used from a nice neighbor.

 

[matthewpianist]

The Technics has their coreless Direct Drive motor, which is excellent. It will make an excellent choice for long term reliability and enjoyment.

 

[RoA]

As above. Superb (other than the ultra cheap feeling cueing lever but they have done hard labour in DJ decks for years so I guess a bit of home use will not test it).

 

[record_spot]

I'm from Amsterdam. Would the new Technics SL-50 have any competition? It's probably a sort of basic turntable from a major brand. Will it still be wise to consider Rega a Pro-Ject instead?

Have to admit, I'm not exactly falling over with excitement at the new Technics deck and would point you towards the SL100C instead for similar money.

Other contenders apart from the usual suspects are the Cambridge Alva ST which is a terrific performer for sensible money. Mine is partnered with an AT-VM540ML and Musical Fidelity X-LP phono stage. Build quality and sound are both excellent.

The KEF LSX in either the LT or II versions are a solid choice ostensibly though I'd add a subwoofer just to aid the bottom end along a tad.

 

[Entrigo]

As you want minimal but not basic, I would suggest the Technics SL1500C. It has a decent built-in phono preamp, so no need for an external unit, as you would with Rega or Pro-ject.

But if you fancy Rega, then the P3 is going to be a very safe choice - and to that you would need to add the Fono MM stage (assuming you would be using MM carts). Those two would probably cost you €1200.

 

[RoA]

It is too long ago since I had my P3 to remember details but I would put money on it that it could not do dynamics with such impact and precision as the Technics. Listening to opera and the transients both micro and macro are something else. That is with lowly MM.

 

[record_spot]

It is too long ago since I had my P3 to remember details but I would put money on it that it could not do dynamics with such impact and precision as the Technics. Listening to opera and the transients both micro and macro are something else. That is with lowly MM.

It so happened that I popped in to Richer Sounds in Edinburgh today, mostly on the back of me returning a book to James Thin's bookshop across the road (actually, now Blackwell's and it's been Blackwell's for years, but I'm an Edinburgh boy and it was always Thin's then and it remains so in my mind still!) and - as is my wont, I thought I'd see if they had the new Onkyo P80 preamp in stock.

It transpired that they didn't however, they did however have a good range of turntables including the Technics SL1500C. I was keen to see what the build quality was like compared to the Cambridge Alva ST that I have and I was reassured to see that there wasn't a huge difference. Both decks enjoy a substantial plinth mass which both provide good and solid dampening.

One of the things I appreciated from the get-go with the Alva ST was the rigidity of the deck compared to my Thorens TD-160. Walking across the floor suddenly became a non-issue unlike the Thorens which would promptly go ahead and skip across an LP like it was about to go gathering nuts in May.

To the OP, I think whether you go for the Technics or Cambridge options, I think you'll have a choice of three excellent decks which also bring a visual design appeal plus build that I don't think you see in Project or Rega decks until you get to their higher priced models.

If it was my money, I think I'd be all over either the Cambridge Alva ST simply because it brings so much to the party for little cost and then the Technics SL100C (which is the model without the onboard phono stage, or the SL1500C with).