[Starguard]

Hey guys,


I am looking at getting into Vinyl and I have decided to put about $500 for a turntable/phono-pre amp.


My current gear includes a Panasonic SA-XR55 and Klipsch Surround Speakers with a Dayton 12" sub.


I am looking at purchasing a Rega P1 with the Zphono pre-amp (from AudioAdvisor, about $500 with the pre-amp being open box).


For my money, is this a good choice?


Alternatives I have considered are the Pro-Ject Debut III with a Bellari pre-amp.


Eager to hear your recommendations. Thanks!

 

[David Meek]

I've not heard the Pro-Ject but have heard the Rega P1. Just from reputation, either would be a very good system to start with, but having heard the Rega, I can say that it has a "high bang for the buck" sound.


With any purchase - especially an open box - make sure you have a full refund available to you. Good luck!

 

[Starguard]

Thank you David.


I just checked AudioAdvisor and it appears they will take a full refund for it.


Any other thoughts?

 

[WilliamZX11]

I don't have an opinion on the turntable, but I have dealt with Audio Advisor a couple of times. Even did a return, no issues at all, very good CS.

 

[Denophile]

i deal with audioadvidor frequently and they are fantastic. great cs. as for the turntable i think th erega is a step up but the aesthetics arent as nice as the project. if you do end up going with the bellari preamp (which I have) it is very smooth with a very warm midrange and output is limited to a max of 30 db if that so a high output cartridge is nearly requisite. I use a 6.5 mv goldring in my setup. in any case id favor the rega but you cant eally go wrong wither way.

 

[Starguard]

Thanks for the reviews guys.


Does anyone know how hard it is to set up a Rega P1? I have never set up a turntable before...

 

[twitch54]



Quote:
Originally Posted by Starguard /forum/post/15397607


Does anyone know how hard it is to set up a Rega P1? I have never set up a turntable before...

Actually quite simple, may I suggest you get a copy of Michael Fremers DVD 'A guide to 21st Century vinyl set-up'. he covers a P-5 set-up but you will easy transfer that logic to your P-1


Good Luck, enjoy spinning the 'Black Pizza' !!

 

[mcnarus]



Quote:
Actually quite simple, may I suggest you get a copy of Michael Fremers DVD 'A guide to 21st Century vinyl set-up'.

Doesn't the P1 come with a cartridge installed? If so, there's virtually nothing to set up.

 

[Starguard]

Sweet, thanks guys. I will be purchasing very soon.

 

[twitch54]



Quote:
Originally Posted by mcnarus /forum/post/15403551


Doesn't the P1 come with a cartridge installed? If so, there's virtually nothing to set up.

even if that's the case given his "newbie" status the DVD would be a good 'refrence tool' !

 

[Starguard]

I just found a great cabinet on Craigslist for $35, so I think I'll be picking this up too. A great place to put my Vinyls, too.

I was looking at reviews of the Pro-Ject Debut III versus the Rega P1... Seems like Rega is the winner even for the price increase.