Search for vintage or get a new, budget turntable?

[DavidTT]

The pricing for Rega is really a screw-you to the US market IMO. They were already priced quite a bit higher in the US relative to their pricing in Europe, but with their 2022 increases their prices have moved into Nagaoka 'No-Thanks' territory for me. I say this as someone who just bought a Planar 6 within the last two months, before this latest increase, already having to swallow the US-Rega tax.

If I were looking today, as much as I love the P6, and Rega in general, I would chafe at these increases and their increased impact on the US buyer, and would choose Pro-ject or another manufacturer, or just stick with vintage. $1900USD for a Planar 6 without cartridge? Uh, no.

Some second-hand input in the form of a video review by Paul Rigby that includes the Lenco L-3808, AT-LP120XUSB, Fluance RT81, and Rega RP1 (not the current Planar 1). What's interesting to me is that in the UK, where Rigby is apparently reviewing these from, the latter three are roughly the same price (the current Planar 1 is £299.00, about £50 higher than the RP1 was when reviewed) while in the US, at present, the RT81 is $249, the LP120X is $350, and the Planar 1 is $595, making relative value a bit different than in the UK.

 

[Milano]

The pricing for Rega is really a screw-you to the US market IMO. They were already priced quite a bit higher in the US relative to their pricing in Europe, but with their 2022 increases their prices have moved into Nagaoka 'No-Thanks' territory for me. I say this as someone who just bought a Planar 6 within the last two months, before this latest increase, already having to swallow the US-Rega tax.

If I were looking today, as much as I love the P6, and Rega in general, I would chafe at these increases and their increased impact on the US buyer, and would choose Pro-ject or another manufacturer, or just stick with vintage. $1900USD for a Planar 6 without cartridge? Uh, no.

Like, what are they doing, shipping every individual unit from the UK? They ought to have an overseas warehouse

 

[jrtrent]

The pricing for Rega is really a screw-you to the US market IMO. They were already priced quite a bit higher in the US relative to their pricing in Europe, but with their 2022 increases their prices have moved into Nagaoka 'No-Thanks' territory for me. I say this as someone who just bought a Planar 6 within the last two months, before this latest increase, already having to swallow the US-Rega tax.

I wonder if any other markets are similarly out of whack. I checked Australia, and their prices are nearly the same as the UK's. For the Planar 6 without cartridge, and converted to US dollars, the UK wants $1578.88, Australia is $1588.59, and the US price is $1875.

If I were looking today, as much as I love the P6, and Rega in general, I would chafe at these increases and their increased impact on the US buyer, and would choose Pro-ject or another manufacturer, or just stick with vintage. $1900USD for a Planar 6 without cartridge? Uh, no.

If I were in the market, it would probably still come down to whether or not there is anything I like better at Rega's US price points. When I bought the RP3, I believe it was $895, but comparing it to other brands at up to twice its price, I didn't hear anything I liked better. I also liked the RP3's appearance, operation, and the dealer I bought it from. These days, though, perhaps due to aging ears, I'm finding I can be content with more modest gear, like the LP120XUSB.

 

[AudioGMan]

You may want to consider a linear tracking turntable. I don’t know why they don’t get much respect. I own a Technics SL-1200MK2 and my teenage son recently bought himself a record. He knows how to use my 1200 but I decided to buy him his own turntable so he can use in his room with his Sansui G-3500. I found a Technics SL-J2(circa 1982) locally. I paid $80 for it. I brought it home and opened it up to clean it and it’s the easiest turntable I’ve ever dealt with. Easy to disassemble, clean, lube, and operate. It’s direct drive so no belts to ever have to change. It features phase locked loop quart accuracy. It’s just a little bigger than an LP and fully automatic. Linear tracking means there’s no set up to do. The cartridge and stylus are super easy to change. And it has a digital readout for the tracks. So all you do is lift the dust cover, place a record on the platter, close the lid, and press play. Or you can press the forward or reverse track buttons just like on a CD player and the tonearm will move accordingly. It has the same wow and flutter and rumble specs as my SL-1200MK2. I don’t know of an easier turntable to own. I’ve owned an SL-1300, SL1700, SL-Q200, Pioneer PL-41, Micro Seiki(don’t remember model), and my current SL-1200MK2 and the SL-J2 is hands down the best value. I hope this helps. Good luck with your search.

 

[Jason Lafler]

I mentioned earlier that I haven't used a TT since 1985. Lol! It was a new Akai linear track. Only TT I've ever purchased. Can't remember the model number. All I remember is that it was a t4p style cart. I was 21 at the time and when CDs came out it was sold. Now TTs have turned the tables. ( Play on words).

 

[Bkphoto]

I’ve had horrible experiences with project….carbon TT and 2 different phono amps…the 1 thing that was consistent was the ridiculously bad customer service…I essentially got a “oh well” not much we can do from them….

my personal experience….

 

[Daniel Dbar]

I was very interested in the Rega Planar 1 until I started tracking the price difference between U.S and the U.K.

At the moment I'm leaning towards the Fluance RT85, my hang up is the Ortofon 2M Blue Cartridge, most of my records are in the psychedelic rock genre and I worry about too "clinical" of a sound from the 2M Blue.

That in tandem with Schiit phono pre-amps being on back order for 6 - 8 weeks has me wondering what the best choice is for our current climate

 

[Milano]

I was very interested in the Rega Planar 1 until I started tracking the price difference between U.S and the U.K.

At the moment I'm leaning towards the Fluance RT85, my hang up is the Ortofon 2M Blue Cartridge, most of my records are in the psychedelic rock genre and I worry about too "clinical" of a sound from the 2M Blue.

That in tandem with Schiit phono pre-amps being on back order for 6 - 8 weeks has me wondering what the best choice is for our current climate

Vintage. Find a dual on eBay in need of repair and send it out. I'm so glad I did that!

 

[Jason Lafler]

T

Vintage. Find a dual on eBay in need of repair and send it out. I'm so glad I did that!

There's a Dual on Craigslist Lansing, Mich. $169. 3rd page I think.

 

[Trekkie4]

Yes, prices are up for several entry-level decks. I bought my LP120XUSB when the MSRP was $249, and I see that the entry-level Rega has gone from $475 to $595. One interesting deck whose price hasn't changed, yet, is the Music Hall mmf-1.5, still at $399.

Interesting that other forums mention DJ use for the LP120XUSB. My understanding is that while its predecessor was marketed as a beginner's DJ option, the new model was strictly for hifi listening. AT proudly mentioned its reduced torque motor which they said would provide higher quality sound, while the accompanying 140XP retained arm height adjustment, forward/reverse play, a DJ cartridge, and a higher torque motor than the old LP-120-USB. Their descriptions of the two new models were:

LP120XUSB, "Experience the high-fidelity audio of vinyl"
LP140XP, "Experience high-fidelity audio and professional DJ performance"

In any event, my opinion is biased by my having owned and enjoyed the LP120XUSB for about 2 1/2 years. I know how much I liked it (with the Oyster cartridge), so I still consider it a bargain at $350 (plus $79 for the Sumiko Oyster) and would not want to take a chance on anything else in that price range without extensive auditioning to ensure I would like it. The next cheapest turntable I have enough experience with to know that I could just buy it and be happy is the Rega Planar 2 (and it's gone up from $675 to $775).

Fluance is one company whose prices have not gone up, and they offer a 30-day trial period to ensure that what you bought meets your expectations. If I wanted to try a lower-cost option than the AT, the Fluance RT80 at $199 is one I might try, especially since I already know that I like the AT91 cartridge it comes with.

I never owned Fluance RT... turntable(s), but from what I heard they are very reliable & have a good reputation. Especially those few better models without the internal preamp.

Speaking of internal preamp, I also wanted to address LP140 which is being marked (and aimed) for professional DJ application ... which is BS if you ask me! I never had the need for DJ deck, but even if I had, I would much rather invest into AT-LP1240XP, which not only has (even) higher torque motor, but also ability to adjust platter start torque & brake ... unlike 140XP.

That being said & out of the way, LP140 is a great turntable! It has everything the old LP120-USB had and even more. Not to mention that they've addressed (all?) the issues, commonly associated with LP120 and gave it a straight out analog output. Which means, no internal preamp and no USB - output jacks are wired straight into the tonearm as they should be. Now, I'm not going to address features or advantages over 120 because I don't want to sound like AT salesman (everything I said is strictly & entirely my own opinion), but I would strongly consider LP140 for "HiFi" turntable for as long as you can find it under $500. Unfortunately, as of recently most prices went up & through the roof, meaning that you may not be able to find anything. Or maybe even one entirely, regardless of its price! Last time I checked, 140 was completely sold out (even through official AT website)

 

[Tonoje]

I was very interested in the Rega Planar 1 until I started tracking the price difference between U.S and the U.K.

Ultimately the choice, unless you're able to source from abroad (and handle all the issues related to that) is simply whether the turntable you are looking at is a price you're willing to pay where you live. That varies considerably by company and market. There may be some valid reasons why Rega is priced higher in the US. Perhaps they're not even very focused on that market. Certainly, it's the case for other audio brands that they can be cheaper in their country of origin and considerably more expensive on the other side of the world. There may be no conscious ripoff or profiteering involved; basically there are costs associated with distribution, sales, and servicing, and the costs aren't the same in every market. It probably is a lot cheaper for Rega to sell gear into Denmark or Australia (in the latter case, longstanding and close trade relationship, despite the distance) than coast to coast across the United States. People shopping for audio in Britain usually aren't choosing predominantly from American brands either. Certainly some are sold there, but not all of them, and I imagine (it's been a while since I've been home) that American turntables are a fairly rare presence in British homes compared to British, other European, and Japanese.

Either way, Rega isn't the only game in town. There's a vast array of new and vintage gear out there, and a Planar 1 is...well, it's just a Planar 1.

 

[jrtrent]

I was very interested in the Rega Planar 1 until I started tracking the price difference between U.S and the U.K.

At the moment I'm leaning towards the Fluance RT85, my hang up is the Ortofon 2M Blue Cartridge, most of my records are in the psychedelic rock genre and I worry about too "clinical" of a sound from the 2M Blue.

Fluance is certainly priced more competitively in the USA. We pay more for Rega, and people in the UK pay more for Fluance, the $499 RT85 being about $684 over there. Still, it comes down to what your budget is and what sounds best to you at that price. Getting comparative auditions can be tough, so Fluance's 30-day in home trial can be helpful. Do you have any hifi shops in your area? Is so, what brands/models do you have a chance to actually listen to prior to purchase?

 

[Daniel Dbar]

Fluance is certainly priced more competitively in the USA. We pay more for Rega, and people in the UK pay more for Fluance, the $499 RT85 being about $684 over there. Still, it comes down to what your budget is and what sounds best to you at that price. Getting comparative auditions can be tough, so Fluance's 30-day in home trial can be helpful. Do you have any hifi shops in your area? Is so, what brands/models do you have a chance to actually listen to prior to purchase?

I have a buddy with a Planar 1 i'm hoping to check out. At the moment I have the Fluance RT85 coming in next week to sample, using a ART DJPREII Phono Preamplifier in tandem with a Schiit Magni Heresy headphone preamp, while I wait for my Schiit Mani to come in and complete my stack. (for now, lol)

Very hopeful this set up breaks through a new audiophile level for me. I want to put these Sennheiser HD650s to the test with the new set up. Would really have loved to get a planar 1 and upgrade the cart and in a few years shell out for a SL1200, but we'll see how the next few months treat me.

 

[jrtrent]

I have a buddy with a Planar 1 i'm hoping to check out. At the moment I have the Fluance RT85 coming in next week to sample, using a ART DJPREII Phono Preamplifier in tandem with a Schiit Magni Heresy headphone preamp, while I wait for my Schiit Mani to come in and complete my stack. (for now, lol)

Very hopeful this set up breaks through a new audiophile level for me. I want to put these Sennheiser HD650s to the test with the new set up. Would really have loved to get a planar 1 and upgrade the cart and in a few years shell out for a SL1200, but we'll see how the next few months treat me.

Thanks for the update! I, too, hope you get a chance to compare the RT85 with your friend's Planar 1--that would be fun for you and interesting for the rest of us to hear about. I also hope the Fluance turns out to be something that makes you very happy; I know others here have liked them.

 

[krautmaster]

The pricing for Rega is really a screw-you to the US market IMO. They were already priced quite a bit higher in the US relative to their pricing in Europe, but with their 2022 increases their prices have moved into Nagaoka 'No-Thanks' territory for me. I say this as someone who just bought a Planar 6 within the last two months, before this latest increase, already having to swallow the US-Rega tax.

If I were looking today, as much as I love the P6, and Rega in general, I would chafe at these increases and their increased impact on the US buyer, and would choose Pro-ject or another manufacturer, or just stick with vintage. $1900USD for a Planar 6 without cartridge? Uh, no.

Rega cost a lot more here in the US than the UK because all their tables are shipped to a single distributor in Arlington TX ("The Sound Organization"). From there they are parceled out to individual retailers (Music Direct / Safe & Sound, etc.) so everybody in the chain has to make a bit of $$ as they move down the line to the consumer.