Question for the group here. Am currently running a Technics SL-1710 with a Denon DL-103 through an Alva Duo into a CXA81. I got the Technics on eBay, it’s very clean and works great, pitch controls are a bit fidgety but they may just need a deep cleaning.
Have been toying with the idea of getting something like a Rega P3 or Avid Ingenium, would these really be considered an upgrade, would I notice any difference? I am thinking probably not but just wanted to get the opinions of others.
The SL-1710 is as good or better than the Rega P3 assuming its bearings are good.
If you’re in the US I would not consider Rega. Their price disadvantage here is very steep (the closest matches on features and quality from other brands usually cost about 60% as much) and they lack key features for flexibility and upgradability that you should not be going without in the $1000+ bracket, like adjustable VTA and adjustable azimuth. And the VTA issue in particular will mess you up if you have any intent to use any cartridge not made by Rega (such as a Denon), because their tonearms are set up for their house cartridge height of 14mm, and pretty much all other companies’ carts are 17-18mm or so. (I believe this is true of the Rega OEM arm on the Avid as well, though I can’t find the full specs of that Avid cart.) You’d need to add a spacer to get things aligned.
If you’re in the UK… all this stuff is still true except the pricing part of it. Regas in the UK compete with other brands’ models at more like 80% of the price, not 60%.
Very helpful, thank you. Edit: I am in the U.S.