The DL110 has got my interest, but the biggest issue is the places i have seen that stock the RP3's don't stock or appear to have the ability to order Denon carts. So it would mean that if i got one, i would lose the help of getting it installed by someone who has some knowhow on how to get it to optimum quality.
My previous cart i just put in and let it go. Is there much more than just "plugging it in" that is requried? Or is it much more intricate than that. and if so, is it just getting the weight pressure right - or something else?
Sounds like you have a P-mount arm on your old table. A standard cartridge has 2 screws and needs an alignment protractor to set up properly. Tracking force is really quite easy on a Rega. A suitable protractor can be bought or even downloaded and printed out. look here - Free Cartridge Protractor And Speed Discs!
Now if you have never done this before, you might want to consider getting a cartridge that the shop sells and having them install it. But it's not that hard.
Now if you have never done this before, you might want to consider getting a cartridge that the shop sells and having them install it. But it's not that hard.
of cartridges and help...and a note for Jeff...
RJ: Installing a cartridge is more complicated than "plug and play", however whether you buy a cartridge from the Rega dealer or not, he should install it a a service to you (unless perhaps he'd prefer you find someone else to buy a turntable from). The alternative is to purchase a cartridge that he (used in a gender inclusive way, he=he/she) sells that costs (usually) more than the Denon DL110 and may not sound as good. If he sells Audio-Tecnica they have some excellent cartridges as well, but no HO MC that are anywhere near the price of the DL110.The Ortofon cartridge line is one I am quite fond of as well, and of course my fave the Grado line. Lots of folks warn of hum issues with Grado cartridges and Regas. I've never had that problem with any TTs that I have used them on:
There must be videos out there on YouTube or similar on how to install, adjust and align cartridges. If not perhaps someone could do one (I don't have the ability,cause I'm technically inept at the "YouTube thing").
Jeff:It's just that you've been so quiet ...🙂. I'm working on my "Linn-a-like". I think you (and I know Dave) will find it pretty low-brow and quite funny, but I'll bet dollars to donuts that it will sing.
RJ: Installing a cartridge is more complicated than "plug and play", however whether you buy a cartridge from the Rega dealer or not, he should install it a a service to you (unless perhaps he'd prefer you find someone else to buy a turntable from). The alternative is to purchase a cartridge that he (used in a gender inclusive way, he=he/she) sells that costs (usually) more than the Denon DL110 and may not sound as good. If he sells Audio-Tecnica they have some excellent cartridges as well, but no HO MC that are anywhere near the price of the DL110.The Ortofon cartridge line is one I am quite fond of as well, and of course my fave the Grado line. Lots of folks warn of hum issues with Grado cartridges and Regas. I've never had that problem with any TTs that I have used them on:
- Heybrook TT2 w/Alphason Xenon arm
- Oracle Alex MkII w/ SME 309 arm
- my re-plinthed Sugden BD-1 w/ DIY arm
- Yamaha PF1000 w/stock arm (a great looking turntable that shows some promise)
- Garrad Zero aooo SB
- Yamaha YP450 w/stock arm
- Thorens TD146
- Garrard Lab60 w/DIY tonearm
There must be videos out there on YouTube or similar on how to install, adjust and align cartridges. If not perhaps someone could do one (I don't have the ability,cause I'm technically inept at the "YouTube thing").
Jeff:It's just that you've been so quiet ...🙂. I'm working on my "Linn-a-like". I think you (and I know Dave) will find it pretty low-brow and quite funny, but I'll bet dollars to donuts that it will sing.
The Ortofon Red and Blue share a body, which is different than the Bronze and Black, which share a different body, if my memory serves me.
I had my dealer install the cartridge and set up the table, since I bought both from him he did it for free.
Some dealers do a few % off list as well, so you should ask them.
I had my dealer install the cartridge and set up the table, since I bought both from him he did it for free.
Some dealers do a few % off list as well, so you should ask them.
It's winter.😉
I'm working on my "Linn-a-like". I think you (and I know Dave) will find it pretty low-brow and quite funny, but I'll bet dollars to donuts that it will sing.
I try not to criticize anything until I've heard it.
jeff
RJ...I may have found something very inexpensive...
within minutes of your home and...old school Yamaha stuff. I emailed the seller to check on model numbers, etc.
Jeff:I was just commenting on one of my new "joke" turntable projects. Have a look at the latest one...even with one of Dave's old beater Grados on it it sounds pretty impressive...
within minutes of your home and...old school Yamaha stuff. I emailed the seller to check on model numbers, etc.
Jeff:I was just commenting on one of my new "joke" turntable projects. Have a look at the latest one...even with one of Dave's old beater Grados on it it sounds pretty impressive...
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Actually they are all the same body, but the better-testing ones become bronzes and blacks. Not dissimilar to the way Grado does it.
wood cutting boards...
... are a quick and dirty instant plinth. Mike spent more time milling out the cutout for the TT than anything else (including the tonearm and the headshell). Now that I know that he's got an end mill, I can do all sorts of stuff (I've got a key to his shop🙂 ) with it.
He was floored on how good it sounded. I need to re-plinth my Dual 1216 re-plinth so that it is a little better than screwed to a piece of plywood (BB of course), and screwed to the world's ugliest frame (or "sub-plinth"). I wrote on the plywood plate so that it could be used as a template so that others could make one, it's closer fitting than an open box below the plate. For the Lab60, I've been sculpting a small sheet of 1-1/2" thickness of rigid styrofoam board insulation. A Dremel tool is what I'm sculpting it with. Once I am satisfied that there will be enough clearance, I'll try to reproduce it in wood. I'll link this message to the "turntables for restoration" thread as well...
I have a thin (18mm) bamboo cutting board that I am planning on using to mount my gutted Garrard Lab60 to, then just add some isolation feet and I'll give it a spin. The origonal Lab60 plinth (solid walnut) looks like it will fit the Lab80. I won't hack that one up to make a manual changer. I'd just take the parts I might need or else I could restore it to some kind of original state (but perhaps without that *******' heavy arm). If left stock, I do have an old Shure M93 or M95 ED I could fit. Just only use it as a manual table.
... are a quick and dirty instant plinth. Mike spent more time milling out the cutout for the TT than anything else (including the tonearm and the headshell). Now that I know that he's got an end mill, I can do all sorts of stuff (I've got a key to his shop🙂 ) with it.
He was floored on how good it sounded. I need to re-plinth my Dual 1216 re-plinth so that it is a little better than screwed to a piece of plywood (BB of course), and screwed to the world's ugliest frame (or "sub-plinth"). I wrote on the plywood plate so that it could be used as a template so that others could make one, it's closer fitting than an open box below the plate. For the Lab60, I've been sculpting a small sheet of 1-1/2" thickness of rigid styrofoam board insulation. A Dremel tool is what I'm sculpting it with. Once I am satisfied that there will be enough clearance, I'll try to reproduce it in wood. I'll link this message to the "turntables for restoration" thread as well...
I have a thin (18mm) bamboo cutting board that I am planning on using to mount my gutted Garrard Lab60 to, then just add some isolation feet and I'll give it a spin. The origonal Lab60 plinth (solid walnut) looks like it will fit the Lab80. I won't hack that one up to make a manual changer. I'd just take the parts I might need or else I could restore it to some kind of original state (but perhaps without that *******' heavy arm). If left stock, I do have an old Shure M93 or M95 ED I could fit. Just only use it as a manual table.
My god retail in Australia is bad
Been trying to order my player and cart for over a week now and been evaded by people not calling me back, then renegging on a deal once it had been agreed upon - literally called someone with credit card in hand to pay $1200 for the player & cart and literally no one will call me back, or won't agree to do it as the only thing i asked is that they install the cart for me instore to ensure it is at optimum setting ( not much to ask from a high end audio store i would have thought )
Think i ahve found someone today to take my money but i am waiting for a call back (again).
While i wait, would love a 1 word answer on what cart you think i should pick to go with my RP3
1 word answer
Ortofon Blue Moving Magnet Cart
or
Denon DL 110 High Output Moving Cart
Ok, GO!!!
Been trying to order my player and cart for over a week now and been evaded by people not calling me back, then renegging on a deal once it had been agreed upon - literally called someone with credit card in hand to pay $1200 for the player & cart and literally no one will call me back, or won't agree to do it as the only thing i asked is that they install the cart for me instore to ensure it is at optimum setting ( not much to ask from a high end audio store i would have thought )
Think i ahve found someone today to take my money but i am waiting for a call back (again).
While i wait, would love a 1 word answer on what cart you think i should pick to go with my RP3
1 word answer
Ortofon Blue Moving Magnet Cart
or
Denon DL 110 High Output Moving Cart
Ok, GO!!!
At that point I'd just f..ck it and enjoy what I have, maybe with (cheap) cart change. You seemed reasonably happy with your table and here you go, from $500 to $800 and now $1200. Use what you have and wait untill something interesting pops out. Your forego into cheap entry table (project) was enlighting was it not? My dealer has Nothingham Horizon with rega toneram NOS NIB (New Old stock, New in the Box) He would probably pair it with decent cart in the class of ortofon , dennon for $800 add shipping and you still below Rega and hurdless with dealers. You need to learn cartridge setup. It's not that difficult.
Gold.
I'd go with either. But my heart would be for the Gold (DL 110)
Based on your lack of service from dealers, I'd check with Rega's Australian Distributor:
Synergy Audio Visual
107 Northern Road
Heidelberg Heights
Victoria
Australia 3081
Tel: 00 61 (0)3 9459 7474
Fax: 00 61 (0)3 9459 4343
E-Mail: info@synergyaudio.com
Web: Synergy Audio Visual - Australia
Perhaps suggest to them that nobody seems willing or wanting to sell you a RP3. Pretty sure they'd help you out.
The difficulty following limono's advice is lack of warranty support in Australia. Not sure if it is just a pulley change that is required or a new motor or jusy an AC power supply difference. I wouldn't say that the Nottingham would slay an RP3, but it is another option.
Learning cartridge installation and setup is not that difficult, and if using a pre-mounted arm (as is the case with any RP3), it is straight forward (basically screw the cartridge to the headshell, adjust the tracking weight and that's it. There are no other adjustments on the Rega arm, you have one mounting choice, just check the alignment with the included gauge . You would need a small digital scale to be the most accurate, but those should be available at very low prices from a local "head shop" (that's where I got mine).
I went to E*ay Australia, and the lack of hi-fi on that site is pretty disheartening. I did email, a fellow in Brisbane that had a complete hifi (upper end Yamaha) for AUD$100. The TTT eas garbage, but the rest seemed like it was quite good. Sold pretty quickly though. You can fnd stuff on there or craigslist type posts , but patience needs to be exercised and once decided upon, action needs to occur quickly. The Yamaha hi-fi
gear I found was near Brisbane airport.
Be patient. But do call Synergy Audio Visual and let them know of all the help you've been receiving.
I'd go with either. But my heart would be for the Gold (DL 110)
Based on your lack of service from dealers, I'd check with Rega's Australian Distributor:
Synergy Audio Visual
107 Northern Road
Heidelberg Heights
Victoria
Australia 3081
Tel: 00 61 (0)3 9459 7474
Fax: 00 61 (0)3 9459 4343
E-Mail: info@synergyaudio.com
Web: Synergy Audio Visual - Australia
Perhaps suggest to them that nobody seems willing or wanting to sell you a RP3. Pretty sure they'd help you out.
The difficulty following limono's advice is lack of warranty support in Australia. Not sure if it is just a pulley change that is required or a new motor or jusy an AC power supply difference. I wouldn't say that the Nottingham would slay an RP3, but it is another option.
Learning cartridge installation and setup is not that difficult, and if using a pre-mounted arm (as is the case with any RP3), it is straight forward (basically screw the cartridge to the headshell, adjust the tracking weight and that's it. There are no other adjustments on the Rega arm, you have one mounting choice, just check the alignment with the included gauge . You would need a small digital scale to be the most accurate, but those should be available at very low prices from a local "head shop" (that's where I got mine).
I went to E*ay Australia, and the lack of hi-fi on that site is pretty disheartening. I did email, a fellow in Brisbane that had a complete hifi (upper end Yamaha) for AUD$100. The TTT eas garbage, but the rest seemed like it was quite good. Sold pretty quickly though. You can fnd stuff on there or craigslist type posts , but patience needs to be exercised and once decided upon, action needs to occur quickly. The Yamaha hi-fi
gear I found was near Brisbane airport.
Be patient. But do call Synergy Audio Visual and let them know of all the help you've been receiving.
Well i finally got the damned thing ordered and should be picking it up Tuesday.
The place will set up the cart in front of me no worries and seemed to know what they were talking about when i asked about certain specifics, so feeling pretty comfortable i've finally picked a good place.
Went with the Ortofon Blue as apparently the DL 110 does not import to australia, at least through their seller ( i think this might be a genuine fact as they said they could get the DL103's but everything else on their database they were no longer able to order and i have not found anyone that stocks or can even or Denon carts ). I have seen them on ebay go for around $150, so later on once i get comfortable and have gotten a bit "used" and naturalized to the new player and Ortofon Blue cart, i might buy the DL110 off ebay and install it myself ( first mini project
). Would be good to see how much of a difference i could hear between the two and would be good to have a back up to use for preference.
So very excited! finally seems to have come together quite well. Obviously i wont feel vindicated until i get it home and installed ) hopefully with all the bits this time ) and into my set up, and play "Let it Bleed" really bloody loud. Hopefully i get that instant wow factor i thrive out of any new product of genuine worth.
I'm not getting myself to hysterical about the difference though, i know theere are certain limits to my amp and speakers, but i really want to be able to notice SOME key element that gives me the vindication and motivation to keep looking at that long term goal of replacing the rest and having a genuinely high quality system🙂
Actually kinda nervous!
The place will set up the cart in front of me no worries and seemed to know what they were talking about when i asked about certain specifics, so feeling pretty comfortable i've finally picked a good place.
Went with the Ortofon Blue as apparently the DL 110 does not import to australia, at least through their seller ( i think this might be a genuine fact as they said they could get the DL103's but everything else on their database they were no longer able to order and i have not found anyone that stocks or can even or Denon carts ). I have seen them on ebay go for around $150, so later on once i get comfortable and have gotten a bit "used" and naturalized to the new player and Ortofon Blue cart, i might buy the DL110 off ebay and install it myself ( first mini project
). Would be good to see how much of a difference i could hear between the two and would be good to have a back up to use for preference.So very excited! finally seems to have come together quite well. Obviously i wont feel vindicated until i get it home and installed ) hopefully with all the bits this time
) and into my set up, and play "Let it Bleed" really bloody loud. Hopefully i get that instant wow factor i thrive out of any new product of genuine worth. I'm not getting myself to hysterical about the difference though, i know theere are certain limits to my amp and speakers, but i really want to be able to notice SOME key element that gives me the vindication and motivation to keep looking at that long term goal of replacing the rest and having a genuinely high quality system🙂
Actually kinda nervous!
congratulations...finally!
RJ: great to finally hear (or rather read) that you'll be on your way shortly. It certainly has been a bit of a haul.
I'm sure if your dealer is stating that he can't get the DL110, then it is most likely the truth. How did you finally get someone to listen and take you seriously?
Regarding the rest of your equipment (I know tat you seem pretty adamant about not rushing things), if you find "not that much of a difference", the culprit(s) will be your amp and speakers (and wire, etc). Thankfully there are very good inexpensive solutions for all possible equipment available now. Some stuff actually appeals to "the wife"(therefore, high Wife Acceptance Factor, WAF). Everything can be had, and not necessarily for a lot of money. As I stated previously for under AUD$200 you might stumble across a pretty decent find: a good integrated or receiver (but you have to have some funds just sitting, "waiting for a deal". I'd still suggest that unless you can find a "steal" on some speakers, you are most likely better off building some. At least you and your wife can look at some projects and get a sense of what your wife likes for cosmetics, etc. A happy wife=a happy life. I don't know the Australian marketplace, but there are folks on this forum site that are from Oz that buy drivers,etc, from local suppliers. You are also close to Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Japan and have that available to you (for example some "T-amps" are very good, and tube amps, etc, from Asia)
Also if looking to start soldering (as in DIY 🙂 ), you could do much worse than looking at Elliott Sound Products. He has lots of well documented projects that have been well received by folks here. A straightforward approach to DIY, and rather than you design the stuff, you can buy PCBs and parts and put it together yourself. Not "complete kits, but the basis for a lot of good builds.
I'm quite excited for you. What a great time in an audiophile's "life". A great time for anybody interested in audio or music to be alive.
RJ: great to finally hear (or rather read) that you'll be on your way shortly. It certainly has been a bit of a haul.
I'm sure if your dealer is stating that he can't get the DL110, then it is most likely the truth. How did you finally get someone to listen and take you seriously?
Regarding the rest of your equipment (I know tat you seem pretty adamant about not rushing things), if you find "not that much of a difference", the culprit(s) will be your amp and speakers (and wire, etc). Thankfully there are very good inexpensive solutions for all possible equipment available now. Some stuff actually appeals to "the wife"(therefore, high Wife Acceptance Factor, WAF). Everything can be had, and not necessarily for a lot of money. As I stated previously for under AUD$200 you might stumble across a pretty decent find: a good integrated or receiver (but you have to have some funds just sitting, "waiting for a deal". I'd still suggest that unless you can find a "steal" on some speakers, you are most likely better off building some. At least you and your wife can look at some projects and get a sense of what your wife likes for cosmetics, etc. A happy wife=a happy life. I don't know the Australian marketplace, but there are folks on this forum site that are from Oz that buy drivers,etc, from local suppliers. You are also close to Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Japan and have that available to you (for example some "T-amps" are very good, and tube amps, etc, from Asia)
Also if looking to start soldering (as in DIY 🙂 ), you could do much worse than looking at Elliott Sound Products. He has lots of well documented projects that have been well received by folks here. A straightforward approach to DIY, and rather than you design the stuff, you can buy PCBs and parts and put it together yourself. Not "complete kits, but the basis for a lot of good builds.
I'm quite excited for you. What a great time in an audiophile's "life". A great time for anybody interested in audio or music to be alive.
so after 12 pages and over 100 comments speaking about buying a Rega, you wait until i say "i paid for it" to chip in with your two cents with nothing but a completely negative comment, with no reasoning behind it.
cheers for that🙄
Regardless of your opinion about the turntable, that is not a nice nor polite thing to say.
Please be constructive. If you can't do that, I invite you to not post in this thread.
Brett, my condolences back at ya...RJ don't fret...
Brett : You must have had a very bad experience with Rega...or a dealer.
Be critical all you want, but no need to be negative. I am not a particular fan of Rega (although I like them plenty), and I have had enough experiences with the tables. Would I go looking to replace my Oracle with one? Not until I did a head to head comparison using similar arms and the same cartridges, and the same phono stage. Having said that there are so many folks who have bought and loved their Rega turntables, can they all be wrong?
The engineering principles used in developing and upgrading the planar series of tables could be deemed a "joke", but although slowly, Roy Gandi (Gandy) has made some changes. And the development of the RB300 and RB250 tonearms has proven to stand the test of time (20 years +). At least there is no "flavour of the month" with Rega. Good, basic mechanical engineering with good materials put together by people who know their product. He even (finally) improved the internal wiring in the Rega arms.
Remember the "speed" problem? The electrical performance could be looked at more closely, but Rega tables have used essentially the same type of motor as Linn et al have used in the past. And any possible speed issue has long since been "fixed" with the use of higher spec'd motors and better machining tolerances of the pulleys,sub-platters (and even belts) and the outboard power supply. If I had to start all over again (at this time in my life), I would most probably end up with a RP1 "Performance" or a RP3, and add the power supply. I know I have way more than the cost of either turntable tied up in my SME tonearm, and am I any the better for it? No.
Sp please refrain from such negative comments, particularly if you don't at least explain your reasoning. All that happens is that folks get defensive.
RJ: don't worry one little bit. Hundreds of thousands of folks can't all be wrong can they (actually I think Rega has sold in excess of 2 million turntables IIRC).
Brett : You must have had a very bad experience with Rega...or a dealer.
Be critical all you want, but no need to be negative. I am not a particular fan of Rega (although I like them plenty), and I have had enough experiences with the tables. Would I go looking to replace my Oracle with one? Not until I did a head to head comparison using similar arms and the same cartridges, and the same phono stage. Having said that there are so many folks who have bought and loved their Rega turntables, can they all be wrong?
The engineering principles used in developing and upgrading the planar series of tables could be deemed a "joke", but although slowly, Roy Gandi (Gandy) has made some changes. And the development of the RB300 and RB250 tonearms has proven to stand the test of time (20 years +). At least there is no "flavour of the month" with Rega. Good, basic mechanical engineering with good materials put together by people who know their product. He even (finally) improved the internal wiring in the Rega arms.
Remember the "speed" problem? The electrical performance could be looked at more closely, but Rega tables have used essentially the same type of motor as Linn et al have used in the past. And any possible speed issue has long since been "fixed" with the use of higher spec'd motors and better machining tolerances of the pulleys,sub-platters (and even belts) and the outboard power supply. If I had to start all over again (at this time in my life), I would most probably end up with a RP1 "Performance" or a RP3, and add the power supply. I know I have way more than the cost of either turntable tied up in my SME tonearm, and am I any the better for it? No.
Sp please refrain from such negative comments, particularly if you don't at least explain your reasoning. All that happens is that folks get defensive.
RJ: don't worry one little bit. Hundreds of thousands of folks can't all be wrong can they (actually I think Rega has sold in excess of 2 million turntables IIRC).
I did not see the thread until this morning when I posted.
I have had 2 through my hands - they are mediocre at best and thoroughly over rated.
Nanook: "The engineering principles used in developing and upgrading the planar series of tables could be deemed a "joke""
I agree but would be less polite about it. They parallel linn engineering. Develop a cheap item, charge as much as you can for it and they milk the suckers for upgrades.
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