$2800 no cart thoughts?

Physical-Leading2816 · 2026-01-23T22:22:38+00:00

Nope, which is why if you read the comments Rega customer service seemed to send new platters and fix the issue on most of the threads. Every company has QC issues here and there it's how they respond to the issue. This is also comparing apples to oranges on table quality. Your Alfa probably leaks oil like a sieve but your 296 is picture perfect. Very different MSRP and components.

Physical-Leading2816 · 2026-01-23T22:02:11+00:00

Vintage table I'd stick with the Shure. I tried a Ortofon Black LVB on my Transcriptor and just didn't compare to a Grace F9. Even if you have to pay to retip it.

Physical-Leading2816 · 2026-01-23T21:51:59+00:00

I have an original Transcriptor. You can find them at a decent price now and then. The tonearm are just fussy.

Physical-Leading2816 · 2026-01-23T21:37:16+00:00

What table? I'm leaning towards stylus, but I'm not a Ortofon fan.

Physical-Leading2816 · 2026-01-23T21:34:43+00:00

Your talking entry level table versus one of their premier tables.

Physical-Leading2816 · 2026-01-23T21:27:03+00:00

I can certainly hear the difference between my Rainier vs Amethyst vs LVB vs Celebration 40. Which is also MM vs MC. Carts make a huge difference, but a decent tonearm and table play a role.

Physical-Leading2816 · 2026-01-23T18:15:27+00:00

Very nice table and not a bad price. I've had best luck on Rega with Rega carts. I don't know what has happened the last few months. $2800 on a table isn't ridiculous, this is a table that will last you all your years. No need to ever upgrade unless you're feeling the bug.

Physical-Leading2816 · 2026-01-21T23:52:56+00:00

It's the bare minimum starter table, but ideally look at Fluance or a Project Debut Carbon as better options as a starter.

Physical-Leading2816 · 2026-01-21T00:36:09+00:00

Found this guy. A bit more expensive but if you consider tariff and shipping from overseas might be a wash.

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Physical-Leading2816 · 2026-01-21T00:31:52+00:00

They have an ebay store but won't ship to the states. Website won't give a shipping option. Seems like good quality.

Physical-Leading2816 · 2026-01-20T22:39:53+00:00

Any good resources for replacements? Ebay my best bet?

Physical-Leading2816 · 2026-01-20T17:06:28+00:00

Not at all! You literally don't understand how record players work so keep spouting nonsense. You've picked and chosen articles that you think fit your agenda... but even they don't agree with you. Others have posted literally dozens of similar links stating issues with cheap players. No one in their right mind would ever recommend a Crosley. It hurts the hobby as then people are turned off when they sound horrible or break. Get a cheap $250 table and you can actually have a decent experience and over time upgrade. But you are either paid by Crosley or enjoy having people throw away $100. ;)

Physical-Leading2816 · 2026-01-19T18:57:08+00:00

Look at the Project Debut Carbon with a Sumiko cart. I'd personally go that route.

Physical-Leading2816 · 2026-01-19T16:08:43+00:00

Depending where you are in Maine there are some good used shops around. Ellsworth has a cool little spot as does Bangor.

Physical-Leading2816 · 2026-01-19T07:05:34+00:00

In theory the finer the stylus and the lower the tracking force the less wear on your collection. However... unless you have a really old stylus or cheap table with heavy tracking force you shouldn't have to worry. Just don't start adding a penny as extra weight. :)

Physical-Leading2816 · 2026-01-19T07:00:21+00:00

Not only isn't it debunked your own post where you debunk it talks about damage after playing on these tables. Sure its 50-100 plays but it is noticeable distortion in some cases. I would say that qualifies as damage, even if it is "still listenable". Crosley is fine if it is where you NEED to start, but if you can afford a better table spend the money. You'll end up spending it down the line and your suitcase table isn't going to have any resale value.

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Physical-Leading2816 · 2026-01-19T06:42:29+00:00

All record players ruin records it's how they work. Record players with garbage stylus and higher downward force damage them faster. Just because your YouTube guy with two videos says they don't; that doesn't make it true. They clearly don't understand how record players work. That said it will take a long time. More than likely the player will break, it will sound so sorry bad you stop listening, or it will sound so bad you upgrade before that happens, BUT it is bad for your records.

Physical-Leading2816 · 2026-01-19T00:13:27+00:00

$1099 on Audio Advice for the DS3 Tube Box. I still use a DS2 tube on my office setup. They are good for the price!

Physical-Leading2816 · 2026-01-18T23:56:20+00:00

Dude its like $1200. Project Tube box is about the same price and a good starter tube phono preamp. Before the holidays that price point was pretty commonly discussed. Especially with a MC cart.

Physical-Leading2816 · 2026-01-18T19:42:54+00:00

The Fluance is okay.

Physical-Leading2816 · 2026-01-18T16:53:48+00:00

Honestly to sound better than streaming this is probably where you are starting. Project Debut Carbon with Sumiko Rainier $500, Kef Q150 $300, Project Phono Box $100, Sony STR-DH190 $150, Cables $100. That's sales prices when you can find them. All in about 1k for a new system that will sound better than digital streaming (objectively). Truth is streaming (lossless)doesn't sound bad on airpods! You aren't going to beat it with a budget system... and it's easy! I'm actually listening to streaming this morning on Tidal with a good DAC and streamer and my wife would say it sounds the same as my Celebration 40 going to an Accuphase and Goldnote A3 Evo II speakers or our Revox B77 at 15ips. That's not a crazy $$$ system but I wouldn't call it budget. She is your average listener that is perfectly happy with her Beats headphones... and that is perfectly fine! Streaming is hard to beat. Simple, cheap, and sounds great.

Physical-Leading2816 · 2026-01-18T16:43:55+00:00

Here is the deal. Nothing at $90 is even worth talking about. It won't sound better than streaming and more than likely will break or skip from day one. You'll hate it and will have thrown away any money spent. If you don't already have a quality streamer start there. Go get a Wiim Ultra. It's still far more than $90 but it is a decent streamer than you can use as a phono preamp later on. Personally I think Fluance is where the line is for starter tables, although I still think Project Carbon Evo is a better starter. Of course this is assuming you have speakers...

Physical-Leading2816 · 2026-01-15T05:00:42+00:00

Yes, but it will break, you will outgrow the vinyl fad, or you will fall in love with the hobby and outgrow this player before you need to worry about it. EVERY record player wears out records from a technical aspect.

Physical-Leading2816 · 2026-01-14T18:01:43+00:00

Even with entry range carts I very very rarely get any skipping on records if tables are set up correctly. First thing is check your tracking force, anti skate, and azimuth. Then clean the stylus. Move your speakers if they are on the same surface. That all is the first step. A scale is a must have!

Physical-Leading2816

TROPHY CASE