What is the current Rega Turntable equivalent to Linn Axis
Posted by: CEverett on 27 October 2017
I'd like the forums' thoughts regarding turntables. I'm not necessarily planning on making a turntable change in the near future, but I am curious as to the following:
I currently have a Linn Axis with Linn Akito arm and Rega Bias cartridge. What would the roughly equivalent current day Rega turntable be? I recognize that my current cartridge is the weak link. I wasn't listening to a lot of vinyl a few years ago when I had to replace the worn Linn K9(?) cartridge I had. If I were to upgrade turntables, I would do so with a cartridge suitable to the turntable and tonearm.
Thanks for your thoughts.
If I remember correctky the axis was around double the price of a planar 3 ( I bought a Manticore instead which was a little more) so that would make the planar 6 around the right level just on price comparison to the 3.
Almost impossible to judge. I wonder whether Rega might have made so much progress in TT design that even a current Planar 3 might show the Axis a clean pair of heels?
As I recall, @Robiwan liked his RP1 well enough after the LP12. Isn’t that correct?
Nick
I owned a Linn Axis a great deck by the way and also both RP1 & RP3s and I would take the Axis over both those decks all day long and so I would say based on ownership of those three that it would have to be at least an RP6. I would think very carefully about swapping an Axis for anything less. I would put a better cart on your Axis one that could be transferred to a Rega incase you still wanted a change and listen to it for a while. Like you I had a K9 and then AT95 (horrible) I then used a Denon 110 a great cart for the money.
Bearing in mind you already have an Akito arm on there why don't you think about a used LP12, a very good one without an arm could be had for the cost of an RP6 but my advice would be get a better cart on that Axis first.
NickSeattle posted:As I recall, @Robiwan liked his RP1 well enough after the LP12. Isn’t that correct?
Nick
Yes i did. The RP1 Performance did all the basics right and provided loads of fun. But is was not extended at both the Bass and treble side. The mids were strong.
The Strat (Fender) posted:Almost impossible to judge. I wonder whether Rega might have made so much progress in TT design that even a current Planar 3 might show the Axis a clean pair of heels?
I was wondering exactly the same thing.
FWIW, back in the day, I always preferred the similar priced Manticore Mantra to the Axis.
For what it’s worth Richard I always preferred a variety of TTs to those from Drakemire Drive - but that’s another story.
The Strat (Fender) posted:Drakemire Drive
Excellent vintage touch there ;-)
A 25+ year old table versus a very competent modern Rega? I think the RP3 would outperform an old table.
Axis was a nice table indeed. Better than the Planar 3 of it's time. But the current P3 is better.
I would stick with the Axis. Excellent deck.
CJ
I have a 35 year old Pink Triangle, the RB300 arm was upgraded by Audio Origami, fitted and serviced by #cymbiosis. There is no equivalent turntable to the PT today, however, in an AB comparison to a Linn LP12 majik, the only thing that sounded magical was the PT! The LP12 sound flat and lifeless by comparison. I would suggest a turntable service and a cartridge upgrade. I am sure that your Axis would sound better than most of Rega's offerings
Back in the day there was a vaguely humorous t-shirt slogan that read "10 billion flies can't be wrong - seat more s***t". Companies often stand-out for doing one thing very well and in Linn's case, IMO, it's making TT's - the fact that they're still making them after the demise of others like PT is an indication of their widespread appeal. You will sometimes find those that have a contrary view for various reasons - but the fact is, whatever you think of the rest of their kit the Linn TT's are consistently brilliant and to a large extent serviceable after a number of years.
BTW and FWIW - from bitter personal experience I would always avoid third party "fettlers"; assuming the manufacturer still services the kit I would always send it back to them - particularly with Linn and Naim.
I take a slightly different view. No doubt the LP12 is an excellent TT but I’ve never felt sonically it lived with its competitors. But all subjective - for the most part.
A big Thank You for all of the responses, they have been very helpful. It appears I have lots of options, whether I simply improve cartridge or make an even bigger change (new Rega above RP3 or used LP12 without arm).
One additional question, and I know that questions like these are difficult to answer/quantify, but here goes: How much would adding a Stageline improve the sound quality of my existing Axis/Akito with my existing Bias cartridge or an improved cartridge (say an Exact 2 or similar)?
Thanks again.
Clark