AR Turntable

[Marcsten]

I got the recent notice about a call for manuals. I have the manual for the AR Turntable. That's all the manual calls it. If interested, I would be happy to scan it and send it along. On another point, I am thinking of upgrading this table, which currently has a Rega RB 300 arm with a Linn cartridge. I would like to retain the arm and cartridge, but have considered the Rega P3. I have also considered the Linn Lp12 and the VPI HW 19Jr. Anyone have thoughts on these? Thanks! Marc

[Seb]

for the manual you may have, please read the upload section in this forum - you want a new turntable ? I think, but it's my opinion, what you could be very deceived by a P3 (i have one)-  the LP-12 (I have one) is fine and the VPI is supposed to be fine (i'm honest : never hear a VPI, not imported in France) but the budget for these turntables is quiet different. good luck Seb

[Marcsten]

Thanks for your response! Sorry, though, I did not fully understand what you meant by being "deceived" by the P3. Please explain. Although the budget for the VPI and the Linn is quite different, I am a bit less worried about the price than the sound. Obviously, if there is little difference, I would rather save the money! I am also interseted on opinions as to how the Rega arm works with these tables. Marc

[JaS]

Hi, Firstly yes we would appreciate any scans you could send - jpeg format and at a dpi and compression that looks fine onscreen is ideal, email me them and I will sort out the pdf manual and upload, giving you credit of course  ::) I presume Seb means dissapointed by the P3, not because it isnt a fine turntable but its not really an upgrade from an AR with the the RB300 already fitted (Seb may correct me on this!). AR's where a pretty good suspended design and the plinth and motor are easily a match for the basic Rega. You would be better off paying a bit more for a real improvement. The RB300 will work on both the Linn LP12 and VPI, I haven't heard the VPI but the arm is used as a starter arm on many modern decks - I had one as a backup for many years and it performs well on just about anything.  I've also heard it said the Rega arm and Linn LP12 don't gel, but I don't get along with the sound of the Linn anyway (I tried) so really I wouldn't worry about the match. I would imagine the sound of a VPI will differ enormously from that of the LP12, whichever arm you use, so try to get a demo. Both decks are renowned for their killer sound quality so its down to your own preference - the Linn probably being closest in tonal character to the AR you are used to, the VPI regarded as having a more even balance. Good luck whichever way you turn.

[Marc Stenchever]

Thanks for the clarification! Yesterday I found a local (Seattle) vendor who advertises VPI, ClearAudio and Rega, among other. One stop comparisons! Not quite. No VPI tables in stock, only the high end Clear Audio in stock (out of my price range) but three top Regas. Clearly, this dealer wanted to sell Regas. He claimed that the ClearAudio sounded poor, although I didn't have time to hear it since it was too expensive anyway, and the VPIs were unreliable with poor, noisy motors. He suggested a P25. Disappointed. :'( I am not sure how to go about tracking down dealers who stock and are maybe a little more objective in their wares. Marc

[Piotr]

Hello I seem to be the only moderator that has any experience with vpi:s. I think that the Hw-19Jr is a great buy. Ofcourse you can get a better turntable if you buy a fully equiped LP12, but for the money the vpi is great. Also, the RB300 goes perfectly with the Jr and the Jr is fully upgradable. To find dealers try contacting the companies: http://www.rega.co.uk/ http://www.vpiindustries.com/ http://www.linn.co.uk/