raysablade
pfm Member
For a long time I enjoyed and respected, but could not love, my RP6/Exact combo.
Nevertheless, I just could not stop thinking about alternatives to the RP6 and what could replace it.
For a long time, I thought the problem was the hideous font Rega chose for the "RP6" script, but thinking it through if you offered to swap me a newer P6, I suspected I would feel the same discomfort. So, it was likely to be a Rega thing.
That said, if I did take the direction my mind has started to settle on: an LP 12 chassis in a custom red colour, it would be with a Rega arm and Exact cartridge so I wouldn't be walking away from Rega. Therefore, it must be something to do with a chassis I've been sold on for over 30 years.
This morning, whilst listening to Mary Love FWIW, it dawned on me. The Rega Planar 2 that I had started out with was a great budget choice and I must have perceived it's simplicity as a value-based compromise. It would have been bigger and more complex had I had more cash to spend.
As I had more cash to spend and went up the Rega range the chassis technology employed and the whole resulting package got lighter. I know why Rega do it, I'm a regular Rega customer after all, but the scrimping and saving family man in my subconscious hadn't caught up. One day he still aimed to trade up to something appropriately heavy.
Having understood that I am completely content.
- It sounds great when I'm listening to it, always engaging and strong but never tiring.
- I listen to it more than once a week and whilst I am listening to it, I am never unhappy.
- Its red livery is the colour I would choose for any turntable were it available.
- It is easy to live with and until recently a dealer was on hand to swap the cart when required.
Nevertheless, I just could not stop thinking about alternatives to the RP6 and what could replace it.
For a long time, I thought the problem was the hideous font Rega chose for the "RP6" script, but thinking it through if you offered to swap me a newer P6, I suspected I would feel the same discomfort. So, it was likely to be a Rega thing.
That said, if I did take the direction my mind has started to settle on: an LP 12 chassis in a custom red colour, it would be with a Rega arm and Exact cartridge so I wouldn't be walking away from Rega. Therefore, it must be something to do with a chassis I've been sold on for over 30 years.
This morning, whilst listening to Mary Love FWIW, it dawned on me. The Rega Planar 2 that I had started out with was a great budget choice and I must have perceived it's simplicity as a value-based compromise. It would have been bigger and more complex had I had more cash to spend.
As I had more cash to spend and went up the Rega range the chassis technology employed and the whole resulting package got lighter. I know why Rega do it, I'm a regular Rega customer after all, but the scrimping and saving family man in my subconscious hadn't caught up. One day he still aimed to trade up to something appropriately heavy.
Having understood that I am completely content.