[capt_slow]

I have been doing my research and keep coming across mixed opinions on the Rega RP3. I have an opportunity to purchase one mounted with an elys 2 for a great price.

I am currently debating buying that table or holding out for something better.

Thanks for the advice. 

[neobop]

Hi, welcome to vinylfoolery,

As you see from your research it's a matter of opinion.  It's also relative to what you're comparing it to and the attributes you value.  So, it's kinda hard to say.  I would guess you're new to records and players?  Maybe if you give us a general price range it would be a little easier.

In general Rega decks are known for a lively sound with good timing and pace (PRaT).  They are also a good candidate to upgrade and many people keep investing in arm height adjusters, rewiring, and other arm modifications, but that's not necessary to play a record if set-up properly. 

Could you tell us a little more about the situation?  Does it have any mods?  Have you heard it?  If you're just getting started it might be a good way to go.
neo

[capt_slow]

It is a brand new table from the local hifi shop.

As far as price, I am willing to spend up to $1500. However, the less I spend the more money I will have to buy records. I am not new to vinyl, but I am getting back into audio after several years away. I listen to mainly jazz, specifically west coast jazz, i.e. Chet Baker.

Other tables that I have my eye on are as follows:

Clearaudio concept
VPI traveler
Marantz tt-15 (this one seems like an amazing value)

Any input would be appreciated. I am always trying to find products that provide the best value for money.

[neobop]

I thought maybe someone with more direct experience with some of these tables might have chimed in by now.  The best description I've read of the difference in SQ is here from poseidonsvoice:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=113978.20

"Once upon a time, I asked Jeff Dorgay, the editor of Tone Audio the very same question as the OP. Jeff has been around the block and has numerous turntables at his disposal and also does head to head comparisons and then changes only 1 parameter, like the arm, cartridge or table itself to illustrate these differences. Of course he is a reviewer and the skeptics may advise to take his opinion with a grain salt. However, in my experience, I do not believe his advice is hyperbole as he has not steered this newbie wrong. I am very much of a neophyte, so here are my $.02, or actually Mr. Dorgay's through a private PM where he provided me his valued opinion on the VPI Traveler vs. Clear Audio Concept vs. Rega RP6:

Hi there:

These three tables are all excellent.  I hate to sound like I'm dodging the bullet here, but to put it shortly, the RP6 has a bit faster, zippier,
more "PRAT" approach to it's delivery.  The Traveler has its DNA rooted in the Classic 1 heavily.  Think more weight and warmth.  The Concept is honestly right in the middle.  It's got a lot of the detail of the RP6, but not quite the giddy up of the Traveler.  All three are relatively easy to set up and none of them let you adjust all tonearm parameters.

Also, you can somewhat offset the different sound with cartridge choice.  Where something like the already full bodied Grado carts are a bit too much of a good thing for me on the Traveler, something like the fairly detailed Sumiko Blackbird or Dynavector 17D3 is a bit too much on the RP6, yet putting the Blackbird on the Traveler is amazing...  etc etc.

Having used all three of these tables quite a bit (and I own both the Classic 1 and the RP6), You'd be tough going wrong with either, again, if it were my choice, I'd think about overall system sound and what voice you prefer to make the final call.  Last but not least if you do go the RP6 route, I would highly suggest a Groovetracer sub platter, it will take the RP6 a few clicks better in terms of speed stability and low level detail resolution."

Not sure how an RP3 compares to an RP6, but I believe the Marantz is made by Clearaudio and bundled with a Virtuoso, looks like an outstanding value, as you say.  There's another factor that might impact on your decision regarding money and that's aftermarket or upgrade items.  You might want to modify the Rega arm or buy a power supply/controller for any of these tables.  That might come later so an expense like that could probably be delayed or not incurred at all.  How about record cleaning, have that covered?   Don't know the discount you could get on the RP3.  I imagine it would be 20% at most, but still that's certainly less than the others albeit on a less expensive table.

Tough decision and I think it depends on your priorities.  This isn't something most people buy every year or two.  If it was my decision I'd bite the bullet and get the best one I could scrape together, but that's me.  I was never sensible about this sort of thing and even if I didn't have an RCM I'd clean em in the sink.  I like used records anyway.....  I'm sure you could play a record on an RP3 and enjoy it.  Will you sometimes think it could have been better?  How important is that?
neo 

[capt_slow]

Thanks for your response neobop... the information you provided was helpful.

Tomorrow I am going to audition the rp3 against the rp6 and see if there is a significant difference. If there is, I may hold out for the better table. However, if I am spending the money on the rp6, I will probably end up with the VPI Traveler. I have lusted after VPI ever since I first heard a scoutmaster back in 2005 right before I sold all of my equipment.

[NIGHTFALL1970]

Please let us know your findings.  I am contemplating replacing my Rega p1 with an rp3, rp6 or Vpi traveller. I can't audition them so I have to go by reviews.

[simoon]

As far as price, I am willing to spend up to $1500. However, the less I spend the more money I will have to buy records.

I do not think this is the most prudent reason for choosing the price point for your table.

This is an investment to get the most accurate and musical sound out of those records. The more you invest up front, the more long term satisfaction with the sound quality you will have.

And do you really think that spending a bit more upfront will really curtail your record buying habits in the long run?     

[neobop]

I do not think this is the most prudent reason for choosing the price point for your table.

This is an investment to get the most accurate and musical sound out of those records. The more you invest up front, the more long term satisfaction with the sound quality you will have.

And do you really think that spending a bit more upfront will really curtail your record buying habits in the long run?     

Prudent?  The point you're making or questioning seems to suggest OP being overly prudent.

Might be a good point although somewhat presumptuous.   Without knowing Capt_slow's financial situation and all that implies, or his long term satisfaction with the medium (yet to be determined?),  a suggestion of greater hardware investment might be imprudent.

My point is, that's for him to determine and quite frankly, his finances are none of our business.  I suspect he'll wind up with a Traveler anyway, because that's the object of desire.  In the event a great deal on an RP3 and more records is chosen, it could be even better long term, than a better table now.  Most of our record collections are vastly more valuable than our record players. What if the sacrifice of getting a Traveler affords an RCM and some great pressings of loved music?  A good deal on a new table is more easily recoverable in future, than paying list price on another.  I think there might be advantages with either decision, but it depends.

Capt_Slow,
I hope you don't feel the need to justify your decision.  It is what it is.  We're curious though.
neo



 

[capt_slow]

I ended up going with the RP3. The deal was simply too good to pass on and it is the limited union jack table which looks funky (in a good way). The way I see it, the rega gives me an upgrade path and would make a great second system table later.

As far as the RP6 vs the RP3, yes the RP6 is better... more transparent, tighter bass.... but like most price jumps in audio, it is a subtle difference.  Furthermore,  I felt the rp3 had a better overall sonic balance.

This table will do my collection justice and excellent place holder for the next few years.