Rega P2 + ? + ?
Posted by: GraemeH on 29 November 2015
A friend has just purchased an RP2 and is looking to build a 'retro' system around it with amplifier & speakers.
I recommended a Nad 3020e (or i?) and KEF Coda 2's. No remote control for the real hair-shirt 70's/80's experience - he may want this however.
He also mentioned 'big floorstanders'....hmmm.
What would you suggest to get the best sound per pound?
Thanks,
G
A&R A60s don't fetch big prices these days. Neither do many Royd floorstanders such as the Apex (or Rega Ela, which is based on the Apex.)
Depends on his budget, but if he could afford just a little bit more than the suggestions you have made, then I would recommend an (original) Audiolab 8000A (pretty good phono stage on the original 8000A, and built like a tank and so will last forever), with possibly a pair of Ruark Prologue Ones or Talismans.
A60 and Rogers Export Monitors (Ok, large standmounts)
Then junk the Rega and head for an STD turntable. Smoooooth!
Chris
Rega Ela mk1/2 with a Nait 2 if he could stretch for it. At around £600 it is one beautiful combo, but maybe over budget. Alternatively as already suggested a nice A&R A60 and Ela's or maybe some Heybrook HB1's, even though they are not floor standers.
Creek 4330/Castle Chester
Still massively better than mostly current China crap out there
32.5/HC/Naxo3-6/6x135/Briks?
1. gen Rega Brio with Rega Ela plays music as well. £300 will get him both.
Great suggestions - Thanks.
G
Is there a budget for this?
I think circa £350 max for now. Hence my suggestions.
G
You might get a Nait 3 and a pair of Elas or Royds for that.
I'd read the phono stage was a bit ropey...'thin' I think was the word. Reviews are not worth much mind but I'm always hyper sensitive recommending things I haven't heard myself...
Deep Purple on at the mo then? Looks cool.
G
Yup, the A400 was an amp that demanded the best source you could put in front of it, but the phono stage was definitely the weak link. The original Michell ISO was conceived as a phono stage upgrade for the A400 and they made an amazing pairing, even if the ISO cost as much or more than the Pioneer.
In the context of a suitable high end system, the A400 could be a giant killer, but in any other context, it could sound screech like nails on a blackboard.
And yes, I did have one (and an ISO), but eventually sold it a few years back. Still have an ISO, my third, after a much missed original and a much loathed HR version.
For a Rega P2 fronted system on a tight budget I'd be looking at something sweet but fun like a Creek 4040S2 and whatever speakers and stands float your boat. Don't forget speaker cables - no need to go mad here - at least QED79 or similar. Whatever is left over, put aside for front end upgrades to come, or maybe just a load more vinyl.
Cheers Richard. I had that little Creek once and a friend still uses it. Lovely sweet sound as you say.
G
All very nice, I'm sure, but Graeme's friend is looking for a "retro" system, possibly a "70s/ 80s experience" ;-)
C.