Shall I buy a Debut III or Rega RP-1?

[huchiz]

Hi guys, I'm in NZ, here the Rega RP-1 is about 100USD more expensive than DEBUT III, I would consider them the same. By the way, here in NZ, we don't have DEBUT III esprit, and not yet have DEBUT III carbon, agent says the carbon shipment will arrive in ONLY 2 month.

Which one shall I choose? I'm mainly into classical and pop, sometimes easy listening, too. Currently have Naim Nait5i and Warfedale OPUS1, also got a TEAC Reference A-H500, can work as a MM phono stage at the moment.

Looking at youtube, finding some video regarding the terrible wobble platter of RP1, shall I worry about that? I guess I should go to a real shop and ask for open box demo before I buy?

Need opinion. Thanks.

[kalypso]

The RP isn't worth $ 100,00 more than a debut, but much less.

The workmanship and appearance of the RP1 is lousy, the sound is ok.

Have a look at the plinth, the wiring,the platter, the pasted plastic-headshell and other details and you know what i mean.

I think the best idea will be to wait for the debut carbon to come, this model is much improved not only with its tonearm, but as well with its new constructed motor and motor mount, and it has a full-size platter.

The acrylic platter is very advisable since it has sonic improvements and makes the unit ready for use with mc-cartridges.

regards, kalypso

[huchiz]

The RP isn't worth $ 100,00 more than a debut, but much less.

The workmanship and appearance of the RP1 is lousy, the sound is ok.

Have a look at the plinth, the wiring,the platter, the pasted plastic-headshell and other details and you know what i mean.

I think the best idea will be to wait for the debut carbon to come, this model is much improved not only with its tonearm, but as well with its new constructed motor and motor mount, and it has a full-size platter.

The acrylic platter is very advisable since it has sonic improvements and makes the unit ready for use with mc-cartridges.

regards, kalypso

Indeed, so..... guess I should wait now.

[stsdroog]

kalypso is right on all counts. The build quality of the rega rp-1 pales in comparison to the debut carbon. I think out of the box the carbon sounds better as well but the addition acrylic platter and the speed box two make the debut carbon a rock solid TT.

[kalypso]

and the speed box two

The debut carbon won't work with the standard speed box II because the power consumption of the new motor is too high.

If a speed box is desired, maybe the speed box II SE works, i am not sure about this.

regards kalypso

[stsdroog]

My speed box ii works perfectly with my debut carbon.I used a strobe to test it and all.

[kalypso]

My speed box ii works perfectly with my debut carbon.I used a strobe to test it and all.

Well, as per technical informations the importer here in germany has published, the power consumption of the debut carbon is 4,5 watts (instead of 2 watts with the debut III), the maximum output of the speed box II is just 3 watts, the same as with the speed box SE II. They advice to use the SE version with the carbon although.

I am a bit confused about this. Hopefully the speed boxes in any version are not overstressed with the debut carbon.

regards, kalypso

[stsdroog]

You're numbers are right. The tech specs say debut carbon consumption is 4,5W and the output for the SB II says 3W max. The odd thing is it is working perfectly. I wouldn't at all be surprised if it put some stress on the SB II though.

[Dinohyus Hollandi]

The acrylic platter is very advisable since it has sonic improvements and makes the unit ready for use with mc-cartridges.

interesting statement. Could you please elaborate how platter material influences the choice of cartridge type?

[kalypso]

Could you please elaborate how platter material influences the choice of cartridge type

Yes, the standard platter material is tin, its magnetic. That wouldn't work satisfactory with the stronger magnets of mc-cartridges. It would cause trouble with correct VTF adjustment.

Have a look at the operating instructions. They clearly state "not for use with mc-cartridges" (without explaining the reason).

regards, kalypso

[Dinohyus Hollandi]

Ah, I see, it's specific for this turntable. Otherwise it would have been a bit of a weird statement.

[Henley]

My speed box ii works perfectly with my debut carbon.I used a strobe to test it and all.

Well, as per technical informations the importer here in germany has published, the power consumption of the debut carbon is 4,5 watts (instead of 2 watts with the debut III), the maximum output of the speed box II is just 3 watts, the same as with the speed box SE II. They advice to use the SE version with the carbon although.

I am a bit confused about this. Hopefully the speed boxes in any version are not overstressed with the debut carbon.

regards, kalypso

With respect, the Debut Carbon has a standard mains lead (220/240v) which cannot be plugged into a Speedbox as it only has a socket for a 16v flying lead.
Unless a special model is made for the US (I will clarify this later) all EU customers please note. THE DEBUT CARBON IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH THE STANDARD SPEEDBOX. You can, however, use the Speedbox S/E as this works at 220/240v and will accept a standard mains plug.

(Sorry for the capitals but this is important information).

[kalypso]

With respect, the Debut Carbon has a standard mains lead (220/240v) which cannot be plugged into a Speedbox as it only has a socket for a 16v flying lead.

Oh, thanks for this clarification.

Although the Speedbox SE II can take a mains power plug, don't you think it will be overstressed with the power consumption of the debut carbon? 4,5 watts instead of 3 watts max.?

regards, kalypso

[Henley]

No, it will be absolutely fine. We have played, tested and are perfectely happy with it.

But if you want a Carbon with built in Speedbox, then watch this space