[vegasdave]

VPI is good stuff, no doubt. I'm not fan of Rega, but there's a lot of people who like their products, so who am I to argue.

[1ZIP]

I'm not fan of Rega.

I'm just curious about your thoughts.

[vegasdave]

Well, I'd say the build quality of some of the Regas are not quite as good as the VPI, SOTA, or Clearaudio. I found the Rega sound to be not as good as I thought it would be. I was disappointed with it.

[1ZIP]

Realize that this comes from a relatively inexperienced TT buff, but I would think that the sound of a TT would have more to do with the Cart. than anything else.  At least to a point.

[vegasdave]

That is true, the cart does make a big difference, but putting a very high end cart on a mid fi or low fi table isn't necessarily going to give you very good results. Probably not actually. 

[1oldguy]

I've had my eye on the VPI Aries 3 for quite some time.

[1ZIP]

The entire VPI line looks really nice and pictures do not do them justice.  But in my case I opted for a basic good performing TT with the idea of first seeing how great my interest in vinyl would be, then move to upgrading the phono amp and on to a better TT if I really got involved.

The Aries 3 got the Absolute Sound 2009 Editors Choice Award and is a sharp looking piece of gear.  But for $5K or so I could do a lot with amps and maybe better speakers.  But, if ya got the dough, go for it!

[1oldguy]

The Aries 3 is the TT I've been wanting for a long time.Someday If I do spring for a TT that would be the one for sure.

[1oldguy]

http://www.enjoythemusic.com/superioraudio/equipment/0708/vpi_aries_3.htm

[1ZIP]

Hmmmm.....Temptation get thee behind me!

[1oldguy]

Have faith true believer.