Seek an opinion, should I upgrade to RP6 ?

[Tidal]

Hi,

I have recently got a used roksan radius v (the acrylic version) with a Nima tonearm. It's still unset and I have never auditioned it until now. It's very intriguing, though. Btw, because I'm very new to turntable, I'm afraid that I can't take care or do an enough good job of its maintenance. It's in a great condition to my eyes and runs at a proper speed.

So I think to myself whether I should get a brand new turntable or not, in order to assure myself that it will not go wrong 2 or 3 years from now and be more user-friendly to beginners (if turntable breaks, I have no capability to handle). Rega RP6 is my first choice, due to its popularity of the brand, more reliable post-purchase service, cosmetics issue and novelty. Please note that the brand new RP6 here without the Exact cost $1,500. RP3 is the next one to be considered, same arm but different looking (which I prefer the RP6's).

By the issue I stated, please guide me some ideas, thank you.

[gmjones2001]

Tidal, I can't speak at all to the current TT you have. I am kind of in the same boat as I am seriously eyeing the RP6 and also the RP3. So I will be monitoring this thread. I noticed you highlighted the RP6 price WITHOUT cartridge. Have you thought about what cartridge you would get for it?

[Tidal]

Tidal, I can't speak at all to the current TT you have. I am kind of in the same boat as I am seriously eyeing the RP6 and also the RP3. So I will be monitoring this thread. I noticed you highlighted the RP6 price WITHOUT cartridge. Have you thought about what cartridge you would get for it?

Great question, gmjones2001. Maybe Elys or Exact I suppose, they should fit nice with the RP series because they are 'family', right? Furthermore, I would get Rega fono in order to synergize the combination.
With the radius, if I decide to keep it instead, Denon 103 will be my first choice.

[brassnwood]

Hi Tidal,
I know nothing about your TT other than what I have read in the various reviews [I am really a Rega person:-)
However If I were in your position & you have already purchased the Roksan? .... I would stick with it & enjoy - it is a very well thought of table.
I do have a Roksan Amp which I have been very pleased with
GC

[gmjones2001]

Tidal, I agree, most times when I think about what cart I come back to the Exact for the reasons you listed. At $495.00 though, I'm sure there are other options. Too early in the TT's life though to find any real world experience. Guess we'll have to blaze that trail ourselves!

[Tidal]

Vinyls are charming, I think.

Btw, does anyone have an idea about the radius ? Thanks.

[c-wilson]

I have heard the radius a few times, and although it may not be my first choice, it is a fine deck. I am sure that if you struggle to set it up, the fine folk on here, or the Roksan forum would be more than happy to help. You have paid for the Rokki, learn how to use it, and the worry will go away.

If you re looking for a cart to suit the Radius/Nima, can I suggest a benz micro ace low output, and something like a Rega MC phono, or if available the excellant edwards MC1, with PSU if costs permit. I don not think the 103 will blend well with the Radius.

[RP3user]

Hi Tidal

A friend of mine has a Roksan and I have to say that my modified RP3 produces superior sound. It's also better than the RP6.

I suggest you take a look at this thread:

viewtopic.php?f=32&t=44889

Graham

[Tidal]

Thank you Graham, I have posted some questions in that thread for few days. Also that thread is very advantageous since I can understand that RP3 plus TTPSU should be sonically equal to stock RP6. Btw I have sold my Roksan and am determined to buy a brand new turntable in $1,500 price range, including cartridge. And less than $300 for phono. (The prices ratio is quite sceptical but you may correct this). Here is my choices (considering price and availability here)

1.Rega RP3 with Elys2, may be coupled with TTPSU - $900 + Unknown TTPSU price
2.Rega RP6 with Elys2 (the only reason I prefer 6 rather than 3 now is that 6 looks very sexy!) - $1,600 (this choice forces me to lessen the phono priority)
3.Clearaudio Concept MM package - $1,450 (most appropriate in the range, higher performance but also encircled by rumors of building quality and after service care)
4.Pro-ject 2 Xperience Classic - $1,600 (this price doesn't include cartridge, so quite impossible..)

My main genre is classical, mainly focusing on concertos, sonatas and quartets.

Any idea?

[nabil]

You seem set on buying new, so you might wait to see what Rega does with the P7-it is not at all unreasonable to think that they will lower the new price considerably. I bought a used (but in "like new" condition) P7 for less than the cost of a new RP6. I spent a good three months waiting for a good one to show up and I have not been dissapointed. Personally I would stay away from Rega's cartridges. I'm a huge Rega fan but I don't care for thier cartridges.

Good luck on the search; just make sure you buy a Rega

[RP3user]

Hi Tidal. Can I first say that you need to find a dealer that will let you listen at home because you need to trust your own ears. Only you can decide what you like best. Anyway, here's my thoughts on your post.

I can understand that RP3 plus TTPSU should be sonically equal to stock RP6.

I wouldn't say equal but very close. After all the only difference between the two is the platter.

1.Rega RP3 with Elys2, may be coupled with TTPSU - $900 + Unknown TTPSU price
2.Rega RP6 with Elys2 (the only reason I prefer 6 rather than 3 now is that 6 looks very sexy!) - $1,600 (this choice forces me to lessen the phono priority)
3.Clearaudio Concept MM package - $1,450 (most appropriate in the range, higher performance but also encircled by rumors of building quality and after service care)
4.Pro-ject 2 Xperience Classic - $1,600 (this price doesn't include cartridge, so quite impossible..)

OK, lets start with the Clearaudio. They are very well put together (much better than Pro-ject or Rega) and they look good too. Before I started listening to decks a Clearaudio in the £2000 to £2500 bracket was my first choice. I took one home and loved the look and the build. Sound was good too but somehow it didn't provide what I was looking for.

I am not a fan of Pro-ject and would suggest you take a look at the Pro-ject section of this forum.

The RP3 v RP6 thread should provide you with most of the information on the Rega. Both are good decks out of the box and you can upgrade them as funds allow. But if buying the RP3 I would recommend buying it with a TT PSU and a white belt which will give performance levels about that of the RP6 for less money and provide the type of speed stability needed when listening to classical music.

I agree with nabil regarding Rega cartridges. The Elys2 is OK but not great and I replaced mine with an SAE 1000Lt within a month of getting my RP3.

I have a very wide taste in music and have a substantial collection of classical. I love the piano and in particular piano concertos. I find that DG and EMI recordings work particularly well in my set-up.

Best Wishes

Graham




My main genre is classical, mainly focusing on concertos, sonatas and quartets.

Any idea?[/quote]

[Tidal]

Lastly, today I have ordered RP6 with Exact at a local shop and also mini fono A2D.
The set costs about 1,700USD. It is out of stock now, so next week I shall have it at home.
There is no any model for auditioning here, neither I can have a glance to determinedly choose the proper color nor listen to a way how it sings, so this is quite a challenging decision.
But for the name of Rega, this can't be wrong. Any idea?