Thinking of buying a Rega RP3, but have concerns. Help!

[Gizmology]

Hi,

I am Thinking of buying a Rega RP3 with the Elys2 cartridge, but I have some concerns.

1. I have read that the Regas suffer from speed issues, but that this have mostly been addressed in the newer models. Should I be worried about this?

2. I have read some posts of people with the RPE/Elys combo complaining of inner groove distortion, where they encounter distortion during the last 2/3rds of an LP and distortion when playing 45s. Again, should I be worried about this?

3. I know the RP3 is very light and needs to be level and stable and that placing the TT close to speakers can produce feedback and/or hum. I have wood floors and one of my speakers is about two feet away from where the TT will be placed. Problem??

If anyone has any insight or advice about the above, I'd really appreciate it. I had an old B&O RX-2 that died and I am currently demoing a Denon 300F with an Ortofon 2M Blue cart. So far, I like it ok, but it seems a tad bit muddy sometimes and basically, the TT is made of REALLY cheap plastic and I'm not sure I can live with it for the next X-amount of years. This is partly due to the looks of the thing and partly because I'm not sure how long the thing will last as I question the built quality.

I have a Rotel RA-02 integrated amp and I am using the phono input jacks on the amp (and plan to use them with the Rega or anything else I may decide to buy).

Finally...If anyone thinks another table would be better in the same price-rage ball-park (MH 5.1,Pro-Ject Xpression III, etc.)

Thanks!!!

[atomlow]

Welcome to Rega!

I'm sure others will give a more thorough reply but here's my take.

1. If you want to tweak the speed of your turntable the Rega might not be your best option. But, it should be pretty close, to spot on.

2. I've never heard a Rega cart so forgive me, but I'd buy an RP3 without a cart and buy something other than a Rega. I'm sure the Rega cart's are fine though.

3. hmm, I've never noticed, but my p3-24 is about a foot away from the right speaker on a components shelf. I've never had any feedback with it, You should be fine, but you can always experiment.

4. Other tables to look into? hmm, the new VPI traveler looks interesting or a VPI scout or even an RP6.

I think you'll really love the RP3, buy it with a 30 day money back and check it out. It has the same arm, plinth, motor as the RP6. Also make sure everything is spinning correctly with the Rega. Rega is very good about making things right if the subplatter for example has a wobble in it, stick with the table and you'll be rewarded. It's interesting because you can really tweak a Rega but you can't tweak the speed, azimuth or VTA (on the fly only with spacers) but somedays I'm happy that way, there's too much tweaking in audio that makes me lose my mind.

Also, be careful with all the tweaking, you can spend a fortune. The RP3 with the Groove Tracer Reference subplatter is all you need IMHO!

[Gizmology]

Hi,

Thanks for the info! I was only planning on going with the Rega cart because it comes pre-mounted on the RP3 and I can get an open box one for $879. The other option is a P3-24 for $750 with no cart included (also an open box/return TT). I could get the P3-24 and add a cart, but I'm wondering if it is worth it as I've heard the newer RP3 is a bit better than the P3-24. Anyway, still not sure what to do, but your comments have helped. Let me know what you think re: the P3-24 vs the RP3, and which carts you recommend that are not Rega-brand. I'm trying to keep things under $900 (for now...). Also, there is a 30 money back, so I can always try and return if need be.

Thanks again!

[atomlow]

I would go with the RP3 with the Ely's cart. If you find you don't like the cart you can always replace it later.

I'm happy I bought my p3-24 but I bought it for $650 clearance when the RP3 was coming out. I was able to get the table and then upgrade the subplatter to the Groovetracer for the same price as the RP3, so it made sense to me.

I have the Shure m97 with JICO needle upgrade and really like it. I've been interested in the Zu Audio modded Denon DL-103. I think that will be the next cartridge I'll try when my Shure goes down.

I don't think you'll regret the RP3 purchase, it's very appealing having a lot of the same parts as the RP6.

[Gizmology]

Sounds good. I'll probably do that. I am going to swing by a local shop tomorrow and see if they have any special deals before I make my final decision. They were closed today. Hopefully, the open box RP3 will still be available if my stereo store visit proves to be fruitless.

I did have one more question for you: Do you have any problems switching from 33 to 45 by adjusting the belt? I read somewhere that this guy could never get the TT (a RP1, I believe) to spin fast enough and the belt would just slip off the drive wheel and the table would stop.

And...one more thing: I also read you have to give the wheel a little spin at start-up to avoid the "Rega squeak" that occurs while the motor cranks up. Any truth to that?

Let me know and thanks so much for all your help! I really appreciate it!!

[tomytoons]

All of the Regas should get a push on start-up.
Is there a squeak? Sometimes, but it is done to keep the belt from stretching or slipping and a little less stress on the motor.

On the old P3 I had never had a problem switching the belt. It sounds like that comment was because of a stretched belt, dirty oily sub platter, or one needing adjustment.
The RP1 has had a lot of problems out of the box. Careful setup or a dealer would help when purchasing an RP1.

[nabil]

If you are new to vinyl, I would get the RP3 with the Elys cartridge. It will be pretty much plug and play for you-as you venture further into vinyl high-fi you will probably want to change cartridges-one of the great things about a vinyl front end is that we can play with the sound by changing the cartridge. Lots of fun. Welcome to the world of Rega!

[Gizmology]

Hey,

Thanks everybody! One quick trip to the local shop and I'll make my final decision. Hopefully, the Rega won't sell in the meantime. Fingers crossed...

Cheers!

One more question: I believe the Rega comes with a felt mat, but I've heard it is not very good. I know they sell wool ones too. Any suggestions or preferences for which mat to buy, and/or do you really need a mat? Can you just lay an LP right on the glass platter?!?

[Sandbah 92]

I have the glass platter with the Rega felt mat upgrade on my p1. A few months back I made a cork mat from a planter mat I bought at Home Depot. I've not used the felt mat since. The upgrade in sound was startling in all respects. My wife also noticed how much improved the sound was. I went through what you are now going through 4 years ago when I was TT searching. All signs pointed to Rega, and I've not regretted it > would make the same decision again.

[watercourse]

One more question: I believe the Rega comes with a felt mat, but I've heard it is not very good. I know they sell wool ones too. Any suggestions or preferences for which mat to buy, and/or do you really need a mat? Can you just lay an LP right on the glass platter?!?

I would use the mat, and FYI, felt = wool.

[atomlow]

I agree both with Sandbah and Watercourse. First, I'd use the Rega with the felt mat it works better than most DIY alternatives. I've heard people complain that the felt adds static but that's not true at all, the static is coming from their records not the mat. I've tried leather mats that stuck to my record after trying to pull it off the platter. When I have static like that I run the record through my spin-clean and the static is gone. Also, the felt mat seems to keep all the frequencies intact, I like that!

Second, the only "DIY" mat material I really like is cork (seems to keep the frequencies intact). I know it's not DIY when you buy one pre-made but check out this cork mat: http://www.musicdirect.com/p-7687-vpi-cork-mat.aspx
it's $13.99. I was very hesitant to stick this to the glass platter when I first received it but now I'm glad I stuck it to the glass platter. I haven't found any other material that will lay completely flat without having areas higher than others. The VPI mat is 1/4" to 1/2" smaller than the glass platter. Changing records on the fly is nice this way and you don't see the mat when spinning records. Finally a set it and forget it mat for me.

Pushing the platter while turning on the table just becomes habit. If I put my ear down to the platter I can hear the squeak but I suppose that's just the belt grabbing the sub-platter or pulley. Nothing to worry about. Especially when the squeaking stops in 2 seconds.

Hope you get your RP3.

[Gizmology]

Cool. Thanks for the mat suggestions! So...do you HAVE to stick the cork mat to the platter? Could you not just lay it on it like the felt one?

And, felt = wool! Ha! Yeah, now that I think of it. ; )

[atomlow]

I started with a sheet of cork that didn't have adhesive. I ended up using double sided tape to make it flatten on the platter. Then I saw the VPI cork mat and tried it out. Once I received the VPI cork mat I was disappointed that it had adhesive but I finally bit the bullet and stuck it to the platter. I'm sure it would be pretty easy to peel off if needed. If it's a bit tacky Goo Gone works well.

[Gizmology]

Gotcha. I'll most likely check out the VPI mat after I've had some time with the felt one so I can see/hear the difference.

And...btw: I just pulled the trigger!

REGA - RP3 COOL GREY with ELYS **DEMO(open box)**

Had to fork over an extra $20 for shipping which kinda sucked, but...apparently the free shipping for items over $99 does not include demo items! That $20 could have been used for a VPI cork mat! D'oh! ; )