Project debut carbon vs rega rp3
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91r100gs
Lunatic Member
I listened to a RP3 with the Elys 2 cartridge, when I was auditioned some speakers, and it is a very nice TT. The Elys cart is very smooth and refined. The TT itself did not wow, but it had no glaring weaknesses. The cueing was very accurate although the lever was small. In addition to my VPI I also have a Music Hall MMF 2.2 which is very similar to the Project Carbon. IMO the Rega, if it does indeed includes the cart is worth the extra money. The difference in the quality of the carts, is about half of the reason why I recommend the Rega. It was quite impressive. The Rega in blue, was quite sharp looking, is the other half of the equation.
Bob_in_OKC
Addicted Member
If the price is within your budget, I'd recommend the RP3 over the Carbon. I like the Carbon, but I prefer the Rega tonearm, platter, and drive system. I'd also recommend considering the Ortofon on the Rega. Over the long run, I think the Rega tonearm can do justice to far better cartridges than the Carbon can.
MikeT.
Displaced Irish Cajun
I had the Rega RP3 and tried several carts with it including the Elys. I was not terribly impressed with the Elys and when I tried to upgrade the cart, I was very frustrated with the VTA upgrade path. When I got a new cart and adjusted the VTA with spacers, the dustcover would not close without hitting the counterweight. I upgraded the counterweight but never was overly impressed.
I have the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon now with the Ortofon Red, which to my ears is a much better cart, just my opinion. Unpacked, balanced the tone arm, played some records.....been very pleased.
I suppose the Rega shows a better upgrade path theoretically, but by the time you get there I think you could have enjoyed the Pro-Ject and saved enough money for either the step up Rega or Pro-Ject.
I have the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon now with the Ortofon Red, which to my ears is a much better cart, just my opinion. Unpacked, balanced the tone arm, played some records.....been very pleased.
I suppose the Rega shows a better upgrade path theoretically, but by the time you get there I think you could have enjoyed the Pro-Ject and saved enough money for either the step up Rega or Pro-Ject.
Bob_in_OKC
Addicted Member
I had a Rega Elys for a while on a P5. I knew they had their detractors, but I thought it was actually a very enjoyable cartridge. I used shims under the tonearm on that P5 when I installed non-Rega cartridges, but never went high enough for the counterweight to hit the dustcover. Another turntable in this price range is the Music Hall MMF-5.1. I don't think I'd choose it over the RP3, but it's worth considering.
KentTeffeteller
Gimpus Stereophilus!
I prefer the Rega at this price to the Pro-Ject. The Pro-Ject rumbles too much for my taste, the Rega RP3 is the superior choice here. I feel like the Rega RP1 is a more fair comparison to the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon since price is closer to each other.
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Thanks for the replies guys it will help my decision. One thing I have to take into consideration is that I have an entry level setup. I have a cambridge sr10 and boston acoustics cs260 speakers so I don't know right now if it's worth getting the rp3 over the carbon, meaning I don't know if I'll hear a difference.
What's your present table? Your concern re the other components is valid, it may not be worth the investment in a new turntable if your staying with the sr10 and cs260. Maybe a modest cartridge upgrade for now would be a better direction and then save up for a major upgrade of all the components down the road.
I currently have a sony ps-lx33 TT with a grado green cartridge installed. not sure about the history on this TT but it's just not as detailed as I would like sound wise and I find it's too muffled at times, especially with heavier music. I know it's setup correctly I had 2 people look at it, one at a hifi store and once at a clinic.
wushuliu
Super Member
If the published reviews are any indication your speakers may be playing a part in what you're experiencing. The CS speakers apparently have both a laid back treble and midrange bloom - add the thin cabinets you are likely to have a congested midrange. Couple that with a Grado and maybe you have too much of a good thing. So new table or not you may want to explore a different cartridge to balance things out like maybe Ortofon or an AT.
My .02 would be to upgrade your speakers before getting a new table.
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Erick89
New Member
I actually have the carbon, 1 thing though is sometimes they don't include the ground plug! Also the carbon seems to have an issue with hum, when I listen at night even at high volumes I just don't hear it but come morning I hear it!
It's a good table, belt driven, great ortofon mm 02 red cartridge! However I've noticed the platter will spin and wobble like a wave. The tonearm is decent, the best thing about the table is the cartridge.
Maybe look at vintage tables? Direct drive manual tables will have better rotation, and move at the correct speeds.
Between the two I'd go for the project.
It's a good table, belt driven, great ortofon mm 02 red cartridge! However I've noticed the platter will spin and wobble like a wave. The tonearm is decent, the best thing about the table is the cartridge.
Maybe look at vintage tables? Direct drive manual tables will have better rotation, and move at the correct speeds.
Between the two I'd go for the project.
This. Definitely speakers first.
wushuliu
Super Member
The Klipsch would be swinging to the other extreme. Those budget Klipsch are good for home theater but would not be my first choice for music. Blaring treble and poor frequency response.
Towers
If you're on a real tight budget then the Pioneer FS52s can't be beat. Designed by Andrew Jones (who normally handles the $$$$ speakers) with a high quality crossover.
Infinity Primus has been well regarded for along time. Sound engineering and great sound quality for the cost.
EMP is an Audioholics favorite.
Aperion is one of several Internet Direct companies like Ascend, SVS, HSU, etc. that offer outstanding performance for the money. With no middlemen to get a cut, you're getting a speaker you would probably pay 2-3x for at a store.
There are many more options depending on your budget. With the exception of the AJ-designed Pioneers I would stay away from Polk, Klipsch (unless spending $$$$), Boston Acoustics, etc. Speaker design has advanced a lot in the past 10 years and there are far far better choices out there now than the usual cheap suspects.
Towers
If you're on a real tight budget then the Pioneer FS52s can't be beat. Designed by Andrew Jones (who normally handles the $$$$ speakers) with a high quality crossover.
Infinity Primus has been well regarded for along time. Sound engineering and great sound quality for the cost.
EMP is an Audioholics favorite.
Aperion is one of several Internet Direct companies like Ascend, SVS, HSU, etc. that offer outstanding performance for the money. With no middlemen to get a cut, you're getting a speaker you would probably pay 2-3x for at a store.
There are many more options depending on your budget. With the exception of the AJ-designed Pioneers I would stay away from Polk, Klipsch (unless spending $$$$), Boston Acoustics, etc. Speaker design has advanced a lot in the past 10 years and there are far far better choices out there now than the usual cheap suspects.
Thanks for the reply wushuliu! I'm gonna do some research into those brands.
Just as an update, I decided to go with the rp3 and I'm very happy with my choice. Open box with brand new elys2 for 850 total with tax. Apparently I'm reccomended to get a separate phono stage now too haha. It will never end will it?
Just as an update, I decided to go with the rp3 and I'm very happy with my choice. Open box with brand new elys2 for 850 total with tax. Apparently I'm reccomended to get a separate phono stage now too haha. It will never end will it?