King99
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newbie question - turntables
absolutepitch
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Welcome King99. I'm sure others will chime in on their experience with the Rega; I have no experience with that brand.

However, my experience with cartridges is that the stylus (aka needle) wears out and needs replacing. The cartridge itself does not wear out. Most moving magnet cartridges have removable and replaceable styli. The moving coil styli must be professionally replaced. I once had an electret cartridge with replacable styli.

Let's see what others' experiences are.

dcstep
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Quote:
I have recently entered the wonderful world of tubes via a PrimaLuna Prologue 1 and am now looking to compliment it with a nice turntable. I am considering the Rega P3-24 (my price range is $1,000). In terms of a suitable phono cartridge for this table, what would those of you in the know suggest/recommend? I don't want to spend more than will be worthwhile given the price of the TT - maybe $100-$150? Also, I've heard that one of the downsides to TT's is that the cartridge only lasts a couple hundred hours before needing to be replaced. Any truth to this?

Congrats. Does you PL have a phono input? If not, you'll need an outboard phono preamp, in addition to your TT and cartridge. Look for a package deal and don't get too stuck on Rega. Other options are Thorens, Pro-ject, Music Hall, Technics. Sites like AcousticSounds.com provide packages, including the cartridge.

Generally cartridges last for years, so don't worry about that, other than having a stylus brush to keep it clean. You'll also need record cleaning supplies.

Give your local dealers a chance. Look at prices and packages online, then shop around locally to see if anyone steps up. Getting the TT/cartridge set up is key to enjoyment, so having a local resouce is a big plus.

Dave

ncdrawl
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the rega products are a well established and respected brand, representing a fantastic product for real-world prices.

here is a package deal for less than a grand..table, cartridge(regas own Elys) included..

http://www.musicdirect.com/product/85513

first purchases have to be somewhat faith based..if you have never heard a "good" table, you will have no idea for what your preferences are..even hearing them in person...it is only after years upon years of listening to your gear that you will really develop a true sense of where your preferences lie. I say jump in, get a package and get to listening.... decide what you like, dont like, and in the future , adapt for that.

judicata
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Although I just replaced my Rega P2 with a VPI Scout, I still very much like the Regas.

What phono preamp you need depends more on the cartridge than the TT. If your preamp has a phono input and you get a moving magnet cartridge (which I recommend at first), then you won't need another one.

A lot of people discredit Rega cartridges, but I've used one for several months and really enjoy it -- especially with the Rega arm. In addition, the Elys 2 and Exact have a 3-point mount that makes setting it up a sinch.

dbowker
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Ditto everything NCDrawl said. You can't go wrong that package, and honestly for many people it's more like the final destination rather than anything close to a "starter" 'table! I'd eventually upgrade a the cartridge a couple of times times way before I thought about going for another TT. Enjoy!

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