p5 or rp6

[vinylips]

whats everyones take on the old p5 vs the new rp6 ? got a lead on a used p5 with power supply,groove tracer sub platter ,vta spacers ,and some mis stuff . not sure weather it would be better to just spend the xtra $ for the rp6 and have the new current model or go for the p5 . the p5 as we know has the rb700 arm .the rp6 has the rb303 (same as rp3) arm . anyone compared the 2 side by side ? look forward to hearing some thoughts .thankx

[watercourse]

Good question. I think the only person I've heard of that might have compared the two is Jeff Dorgay of ToneAudio. He wrote in another forum:

"I think the RP6 is slightly better. A little bit less of a jump than between the P3 and the P5...

The only real way to tell exactly how much better would be to mount an RB 303 and RB 700 on two identical tables, but the RP6 as a package, with an Exact still does a bit better job (especially at low level detail and overall clarity) than a P5 with an Exact.

If you've got a P5, I don't know that I'd trade it in for an RP6, I'd go for a P7 or P9 (especially the P9)"

Notice, however, that he did not say whether the P5 was the stock version or with the TT-PSU.

Regardless, common sense says that if you can get them around the same price (P5 with TTPSU and RP6 stock), I don't think you could go wrong with either.

One other critical consideration: how many LPs do you have, and how many of them are very high quality? Most of my 900 or so LPs are of average or good quality, not the most expensive or highest quality, of which I only have 50 or so. Given that I'm not a snob, I don't have room for many more LPs, maybe a couple hundred more at most, I think that the P5 will do me for the long haul.

If you're in the same boat as me, you likely don't have to worry about any upgrading rollercoaster like so many others.

[vinylips]

thankx for the input . Im looking at about a $500 difference (p5 being cheaper and used ) .my original goal was to go all out with moding a planar 3 but then this came along and figure for a little more, I can have a p5 with couple upgrades all ready . then you get to a point of "a little bit more" and heres the rp6 .

[watercourse]

The P5 is a classic: a very musical table with a very good arm that can take very high quality carts. If it's within your budget, go for it. I'm extremely happy with mine. I think it looks a lot better than the RP6, but that's clearly a matter of taste.

The RB303 may have an edge, but that's probably it between the two tables once you throw the TTPSU on the P5.

As for the sound, my table has not been embarrassed by tables 4 to 10 times more expensive, it never fails to communicate the musical messages and energy in a way that's both refined and FUN to listen to.

[antonio_naim]

if obliged to go blind , never a good thing in hi-fi , don't pay a P5 more than half he price the current model can be had , provided you have the chance of getting an unmolested unit!

[watercourse]

@antonio: the only problem is, I don't think I've ever seen a P5 go for that low... I got mine damaged for $900, before all the intense interest, and the RP6 is $1500.

[vinylips]

I agree with the 1/2 of what the new and or current model is . thats what I like to use as a reference . were close though .1500 (rp6) or 975 (p5 w/mods and power supply) . 750 is what it would cost me to really mod up the planar 3 . that price includes the cost of the table as well .I was thinking motor isolation base,dual belt,dual pulley,cardas rewire done myself, and so on .however, I wouldnt have the power supply with the planar 3 .too many decisions .

[watercourse]

I think that with a budget of 1/2 of the current model, you're probably going to have to wait a while for people with P5's to decide to jump on the RP6, or for the release of newer models that catch their eye.

Then, you might even be able to score an RP3 or RP6 off people chasing the next newest greatest thing.

[vinylips]

I think that with a budget of 1/2 of the current model, you're probably going to have to wait a while for people with P5's to decide to jump on the RP6, or for the release of newer models that catch their eye.

Then, you might even be able to score an RP3 or RP6 off people chasing the next newest greatest thing.

I get this feeling that regas are like toyotas .they just hold value no matter what age .not to mention,people will just hold on to them . I do feel the p5 should be better than a stock rp3 even with power supply . comes down to , save 500 bucks and have a p5 , or get the rp6 and relax for the next 10 years .

[antonio_naim]

@antonio: the only problem is, I don't think I've ever seen a P5 go for that low...

not a problem in itself , simply don't buy it , it's not a medical prescription.

What if our OP compared both and eventually hated either ?

It's too risky going blind , I tell you so I wasn't full satisfied how my previous p3/24 tt psu took advantage of a better cart like a rega exact , and astonished how a humbler RP1 , in its price range, extracts so much detail from an inexpensive cart!
What is considered an evolution line by some reviewers, may be the customer's way to go!
By the same token, you could be disappointed by any glorified product as apart from the price may be less successful than others ...

[RoDa]

comes down to , save 500 bucks and have a p5 , or get the rp6 and relax for the next 10 years .

Well, not too shure about that....
If you are into modding Regas (as it seems like the thread opener is?) it's a rather big possibility that you will not relax with the RP6 for ten years...

The subplatter'n'platter would have to go. (Maybe just me, but the old subplatter with a metal hat..? )
Maybe a dual pulley and a couple of white belts could be nice?
Another cartridge than the Regas and then shims to raise the armpost, and that will make the counterweight too high for the lid so the counterweight needs to be replaced...

[vinylips]

I have a feeling your right . Ill think of something to get . the p5 Im looking at has the groove tracer reference platter,white belt,power supply,2 2mm spacers for vta,along with original parts that came with it . I do wonder how the rb700 compares to the rb303 . the cart I plan to use is an ortofon mc super 15 mk II .thats what I have now on an mmf5 . also have a ortofon om30 .

[watercourse]

@antonio: the only problem is, I don't think I've ever seen a P5 go for that low...

not a problem in itself , simply don't buy it , it's not a medical prescription.

So much for practical advice. You may as well say he should find one growing on a special tree in a magical land.

Agree though that it should not be sight unseen, sound unheard. But then again, why not go with one of the US online vendors to see how an RP6 sounds, and whether it is to your liking. If you don't like it, return it.

[vinylips]

Im starting to think buying new may be a safe bet . no where around my area that even has turntables period . have to drive like 50 miles or more. if I dont think its that great, box it up and return it .