Rega Neo Turntable PSU for RP8?

hey Mr Frog, i just tap on google: neo psu rega rp8 and the response is on the rega site:   you can adapt the neo psu on p3, p7, p8....and replace the 24 v psu. So i imagine that is it an option with extra cost....You can ask them via the rega site.

Thanks ... but that isn't really what I was asking.

I'm interested to know who has tried it or actually got one and if so, is it noticeably better sound quality? Otherwise the additional outlay would be superfluous.

Incidentally, there is no way to contact Rega via email ... unless you have more details 

no other details....

No worries 

personally, it just costs 200GBP, i would take it if i had to buy the rp8.  It must improve speed stability , fluency and prat....but you are right, i have not heard and compared. I trust rega just.

I had before rega p3, regap25 and rega p9 , and had a lot of pleasure with them.  Today i have an sme 20 /2 with sme 5 but sometimes regret my ex p9 for its simplicity...

Mr Frog posted:

The Rega RP8 comes supplied with its own TT-PSU but some suggest that the more recent Neo PSU (released with the Planar 6 and usable on all models above Planar 3 - except the RP10), may be better.

Apparently it is possible to finely adjust the running speed etc.

The Neo is supposed to be based on the PSU used for the 'top flight' RP10 - so is thought to be better than the one supplied with the RP8

Are there any RP8 uses who have tried the Neo Turntable PSU, in preference to its standard suppled power supply?

 

Thanks for raising Mr. Frog. I have excactly the same query. I asked my dealer whether he thought it would be an improvement and the response was “probably not but it looks better”....

That said, I recall someone on here mentioning that it was superior sound-wise to the standard TTPS but can’t locate the quote right now.

Hooefully he or others can give some insight....

Regards

David

David ... I''m currently using a Planar 3/Elys2 with Rega Fono MM, but now plan to upgrade the turntable.

To that end, I've just ordered the Aria phono stage (so as not to hold back the performance of the turntable and cartridge).

With my lowly collection of 300 LP's, I'm not sure I could quite justify the RP10/Apheta2 (though the funds aren't the issue).

I've pretty much narrowed the choice down to either;

1. Linn LP12 Majik - though I understand that its internal Majik PSU isn't the best and the tonearm (Project) and moving magnet cartridge (Adikt) , may not produce the ultimate performance at this level. Also Peter from Cymbiosis is unlikely to visit New Zealand to make sure that it is set up properly. Can I really trust the Kiwi dealers to do an equivalent magical set up to match Peter's expertise! 

2. Rega RP8/Apheta2 - has the advantage of a moving coil cartridge, no 'infinite upgrade' doubts/wishes of the Linn hierarchy methodology. Simply plug and play and enjoy the music, without obsessing about the kit and next possible 'tweak'.

Unfortunately, in New Zealand I can't compare the two side by side - so have had to read endless reviews to support my experience, when auditioned at separate dealers.

The dealer claims that the Majik level LP12 will outperform any Rega ... though I'm not convinced!

3. Possibly RP10/Apheta2 - for the occasional LP listening sessions, can I really justify the outlay???

I intend to focus on digital sources for upgrades, so simply wanted a turntable to match the performance of my current source (Naim ND5xs/Chord Hugo) .... when listening to vinyl.

Out of interest, what made you choose the RP8, apart from its stunning looks   ?

Cheers

Mr. Frog - It was my first foray into vinyl. I did consider the LP12 but my concerns over keeping the set up optimal and the expense of never ending upgrade options steered my toward the RP8 which is essentially plug and play. Also, at that stage I didn’t really know if vinyl was going to grab me.  With the Apheta 2, Aria and upgraded Chord Chorus Reference interconnect the RP8 does sound lovely to my ears and, as time goes on, I’m finding myself listening to vinyl more than streaming through my 272. 

I’d consider a collection of 300 records very impressive and more than adequate to justify a turntable of the quality of the RP8 or the RP10. If you are able to justify the cost of the RP10 I’d go for that and you are done; no need to think about whether you should have stretched to it above the RP8. I’ve no doubt that, good as the RP8 is, the RP10 is on another level particularly with the power supply that doesn’t need to rely on the wall wart that the TTPS on the RP8 has.

I may well progress to the RP10 is the future but for now I’m very happy with what the RP8 gives me.

Hope that helps. Keep us updated!

Regards

David

Well, on my visit to the Rega factory just before Christmas, we spent some time looking at the new Neo PSU.  I was given a motor powered from the standard PSU to hold in my hand; you could feel a fair bit of vibration from the motor.  I was then given an identical motor but this time powered from a new Neo PSU that had been tuned to that particular motor;  the reduction in vibration was quite remarkable. When you consider that, in spite of the rubber belt offering some decoupling, some of that vibration will be transmitted to the platter, any reduction must bring big gains.  I'd imagine that with the Neo PSU in play, the gap between the RP8 and RP10 is narrowed somewhat.  For such a reasonable sum of money, for anyone running a 24V motor it would appear to be a "no-brainer" upgrade...

Hi Richard

That sounds interesting and very promising regarding improvements to the RP8 - closing the gap in performance.

Out of interest, did you compare the RP8 to the RP10 before getting yours and did you find a ‘night and day’ difference between the two at all?

No, I didn't do a back to back comparison between RP8 and RP10.  

FWIW the main differences are down to the power supply, the platter, and the arm, all else being effectively the same, including the superb bearing.  If I felt that the RP10 was too far a stretch financially then I would likely take an RP10/Apheta2/Neo PSU without a moment's hesitation.  

I wouldn't advise you either way on the Linn v Rega decision - there are plenty of happy owners of both so I doubt you would go wrong. I did have one thought though - that you might ask on the Linn forums whether anyone there has experience of your NZ Linn dealer. You might get some perspective on their ability to set up and maintain an LP12.

Mr Frog posted:

The Rega RP8 comes supplied with its own TT-PSU but some suggest that the more recent Neo PSU (released with the Planar 6 and usable on all models above Planar 3 - except the RP10), may be better.

Apparently it is possible to finely adjust the running speed etc.

The Neo is supposed to be based on the PSU used for the 'top flight' RP10 - so is thought to be better than the one supplied with the RP8

Are there any RP8 uses who have tried the Neo Turntable PSU, in preference to its standard suppled power supply?

 

I believe the Neo is now standard shipped with RP8

I would however hold breathe another week until Rega reveal their (rumour) very latest new turntable

Thanks Richard, that really helps and is very much appreciated.

I guess that was a typo and should read RP8/Apheta 2/Neo PSU ????

Yes, apologies, I mean't RP8...

No worries ????

If anyone is interested, here is an update;

I've just replaced my Rega Fono MM (Mk1) phono stage, with a new Aria - which I'm now using with my existing Planar 3/Elys 2.

Wow ... it has made a significant improvement to the sound from my vinyl - definitely "night and day"

It even makes this turntable sound pretty damn good 

I guess this shows that my ageing phono stage, must have somehow been holding back the performance of the Planar 3. I guess it's the latest R&D, which contributes toward the awesome improvement in sound quality ...... though, with its factory fitted Elys 2 cartridge, the Planar 3 does sound particularly bright at times.

In respect of upgrades, I am no longer impressed by those small incremental improvements (law  of diminishing returns), but prefer to seek out those 'night and day' changes to the sound.

From my perspective, I can confirm that the Aria is definitely in that arena and ticks all the boxes.

I now just need to make a decision in respect of the turntable - Rega RP8 (or indeed RP10) with Apheta 2 cartridge or perhaps Linn LP12 - though this would be Majik level. The idea of continual upgrading at significant costs, for incremental changes to the sound, doesn't really appeal.

As it stands (though things may change), I am favouring the RP8 but want to wait and see what is announced/released by Rega at the Bristol Show, before making a purchase.

After all, I wouldn't want to buy the RP8 this week , only to find that Rega release a Planar 8 to replace it 

the aria is even better with an mc cartridge....perhaps with a relatively good mc cart you will have no need for more.....

Good move Mr Frog. The Aria is the perfect foil for the RP8 especially with Apheta 2 and I understand that it’s more than capable as a partner for the RP10. So, whatever you decide to do, you’ll be well positioned to get the most out of your vinyl. I too will be interested to hear what Rega announce at Bristol. I suspect that it will be a high end reference TT rather than a RP8 replacement but you are very sensible to wait to see.

Regards

David

French Rooster posted:

the aria is even better with an mc cartridge....perhaps with a relatively good mc cart you will have no need for more.....

RP8 first, I think!

Are vinylistas about to find out what became of the Naiad?

I think the original question was basically - is the Neo better than the older PSUs and does it make a significant difference?

Answers - yes and yes.

I just bought one for my RP6 and it's a night and day improvement.... to the extent that I'm not going to be upgrading to a different t/t, 6 or 8. At the moment!

Christopher_M posted:

Are vinylistas about to find out what became of the Naiad?

Take a look at the Analog Planet factory videos on YT.

ChrisSU posted:

French Rooster posted:

the aria is even better with an mc cartridge....perhaps with a relatively good mc cart you will have no need for more.....

RP8 first, I think!

the rp8 comes with apheta 2 or alone.  I don’t feel that rega cartridges are among the best....I would personally bought a lyra delos , instead of apheta 2.  If the rega p3/ delos or apheta/aria is not enough for occasional hearing, and at the level of nd5xs /hugo, then the op will have only to buy the rp8.

Salmon Dave posted:

I think the original question was basically - is the Neo better than the older PSUs and does it make a significant difference?

Answers - yes and yes.

I just bought one for my RP6 and it's a night and day improvement.... to the extent that I'm not going to be upgrading to a different t/t, 6 or 8. At the moment!

Have you made any other tweaks to the RP6 as well - specifically groove tracer upgrades?