Rega RP1

[Jimii]

Thinking of buying either a Rega RP1 or Pro-ject Audio Debut Carbon tt. Which is better ? Thanks

[ebreckpo]

Which is better? The one that suits your audio taste best. Have a listen to both of them and make yourself an opinion.
I had a listen to the predesessor of the Debut Carbon and for the price it is a good turntable. The carbon version has arrived at my dealer a couple of days ago. Will have a look/listen when it is bedded in.

[capriolo]

Living far from an Audio store I to would like hear some thoughts on these two turntables. Thanks Mac

[Jimii]

Hi ebreckpo
I heard the Debut 3 as well and liked it very much. I just wanted some input. I would like to listen to both through my system. Which I won't get in the store. I don't even know of a store here that sells both models. So it is kind of hard to make a comparison. As your listening to the tt's through different amps , speakers etc. Thanks for your input.

[gabriel1998]

Thinking of buying either a Rega RP1 or Pro-ject Audio Debut Carbon tt. Which is better ? Thanks

Just do a quick search for thr rp1 and experience all the problems people have with it. I wouldn't buy it.

[davidflas]

I am an RP1 owner, and I have to say, it is a much better 'table if you order it with the power pack pre-installed. With it, this is a great way to spin records for not a lot of money.

[lofijunkie]

Find a demo unit with the upgrade package on it.Leave it alone and play records. If you're wanting more, sell it to someone that is in the position you are in now and get something nicer. I had one and enjoyed it for a bit, then sold it.
IMO, fine for what it is, not worth additional mods. Any mods beyond that, better off getting a RP3

[Blueguitar]

I just set up a Rega p1 for a friend. It's a great sounding table but there was a slight wobble with the included platter - I replaced it with an extra glass platter I had and the wobble was gone. Buy it from a dealer and take a good look at it in action before bringing it home -if QC is not an issue, it's a bargain.

[Grozni]

I have RP1 for a month and I am very happy. I,ve planned to buy Carbon, but due to discount price at that time and excellent reviews I bought RP1. Not to mention skilled salesman.
I think that both turnabels are excellent at that price range.
Debut carbon should be better then Debut III. I can't comment the sound quality, but comparing it with Rega, I've found several advantages: has better catridge (OM 10 vs 5E), wider range of setting tracking force and anti skating, better instructions and presence of markings for tracking force setting on the tonearm weight. Rega is easier to set up, but due to absence of markings on tonarm weight, upgrading (or changing) catridge is far more complicated. You have to aquire stylus pressure gauge for setting tracking force. There's no tonarm specifications for calculating compliance. On the other hand with Rega You get sound quality at the first rate. According to my friends which have auditioned several TT, it can sound better then expensive ones. I have never looked back, nor I have regreted my decision. So I can recommend Rega RP1 without any hesitations.

[Jimii]

Thanks Grozni , I've heard the Rega RP1 is a really great sounding TT. Though many reviews claim people have problems with the cartridge touching the record while playing. Also a lot of issues with wobble. I really want a TT with a lot of detail. Do you think it delivers on the detail. I like mostly classic rock , jazz , blues and classical. Thanks

[Sandbah 92]

I'd buy the RP1 without hestatation. I went through all of the same things 5 years ago when I was doing turntable searches for about a year. It always kept coming back to Rega so I bought a p1 which has since been replaced by the RP1. I have a glass platter, a white belt, a homemade cork platter mat, and for the past 2 years having been using a Nagaoka MP110. The table sings! The Nag MP110 gives it punch!I'm amazed, as well as others who've listened to it, as to the amount of detail that comes out of this table - way beyond my wildest expectations. I've seen people, and have done so myself, get up and walk to the table. I ask them what's wrong. They answer that they are hearing things in the music they've never heard before! I listen while working at the computer and very often look over to the table and think, "That's my table producing that music!?" Go for the Rega! In lists of TT ownership there must be a reason that Rega is number 2! Now that Technics is no longer producing tables Rega is number one in sales of new tables! I suspect that most Rega consumers are satisfied. We always hear from those who have a problem or an issue while those who don't have an issue remain silent. Because of its design the p1 needs no spacers for other carts; I'm not sure if that holds true of the RP1 which has a slightly different arm. To see if you would need spacers under the tonearm base use a 3 by 5 lined index card to see if your arm is level with another cart/stylus sitting on an lp. If level, you need no spacers. Knowing what I know now and if just starting out as I did then, I'd buy the RP1. I also highly also suggest the Nagaoka MP110 for an MM cart and the Denon DL110 for an MC cart. For what it's worth, I also own a Technics 1200 MKII table. To me, the Rega has a more natural analog sound, but they are quite different breeds of cat!

[Sandbah 92]

As for the lack of a scale on the Rega counterweight you should use a scale of some type even if the weight did have a numerical scale of its own. I use a Shure balance beam and also have a digital; my preference is for the Shure. A scale will bring you more in tune with the reality of your setup and allow you to tweak away and give you more peace of mind re your VTF.

[Jimii]

Thanks Sandbah 92. I don't know about a lot of the technical terms you use (VTF etc.)But as a musician I've done a lot of recording and I know about good sound. Would you recomend the RP1 over the Pro-ject Debut Carbon? I know a shop that will set up your TT free (even if you didn't buy it there). I'm really looking for full , detailed sound. I may consider a ClearAudio Concept but that is way more money. Now I'm thinking RP1 or Debut Carbon. Have you heard both?
Thanks:)

[denisnelson]

go for the clearaudio concept with mm cart