Audiophiles hifi appreciation thread old and new

I’ve had a Rega RP1 for getting on 5+ years now and figure it’s probably due a new stylus, so just wondering whether it’s worth replacing like for like or considering an upgrade?

Back in the day I think the RP1 used to come with an Ortofon, would a Red or similar give me more than the stock Rega cartridge? On threads comparing them, I saw that LP Gear in the US do a stylus upgrade for the AT version of the carbon: https://www.lpgear.com/product/LPGCFN3600LE.html - anyone had any experience of that or faced a similar dilemma?

I wasn’t a fan of the rega carts, I had a Bias on a P3 and then went to a Sumiko blue point which was similar money but better to my ears and then a MC blue point special which was a significant step up again.

That LP gear stylus looks like a low cost upgrade and worth a punt?

Would be a waste to stream Spotify through

Amp is a stereo BBC AM8/2 class A valve amp, similar to the Mullard 3-3. Preamp is a stereo Mullard 2-valve with a few tweaks. 4 inputs:
1: Aux connected to cheap Chinese bluetooth module. Used sometimes.
2: TV, mostly streaming YouTube through a Chromecast. Used the most.
3: Cambridge Audio DVD player. Used sometimes.
4: RIAA phono stage built with unused vintage components found in an abandoned electronics stash from the 60s and 70s. Took ages to plan-in and build. Never used.

Judge me!

Bear in mind that regas don't have height adjustment for the arm, so you'll want a cartridge that's a similar height.
I really like the audio technica at vm95 range. ML or E.
Not sure if they're the right height for regas though.

You can get washers to fit under the arm. I fitted one to mine and not a difficult job.

They are about the right height. The SH is good too.

I don't think you can beat an Audio Technica VM95ML at that price range

..thank you for the suggestion - yes I was looking at that, though I've found Audio Technica always somewhat harsh sounding (well, the few time's I've heard them, for whatever that's worth).

Also looking at Ortofon 520 MKII / VM Red, Concorde R 20, and Goldring 1006..
..if you (or anybody else) has listening experience with one of these I'm all ears 🙂

a pleasant meander through turntables old and new:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCAhllcc_Ew

Not a fan of this guy. It's a decent list of turntables though.

Thanks (to @timmah! and @Airhead too). Looks like either trying that LP gear upgrade or a VM95E for c £50, or a VM95ML or better if I’m feeling flush… Something to mull on, cheers!

it's the first time i've watched one of his vids.

i quite liked the slow pace but there wasn't a lot of content aside from the list.

He doesn't seem like the kind of guy who owns a Grateful Dead LP. For that reason I'm out 🤪

surely everyone is somewhere on the j.j. cale - grateful dead - hawkwind spectrum?

Don’t have any of their stuff, though Hawkwind is the most compelling

I couldn't really agree with the emphasis he needed to place on how right his decision is. Just can't believe that any one of the £3k decks he was talking about could do a good enough job but it's fine that he picked one of the bunch.

He didn't really seem to have much appreciation of synergy. Hence the GD comment.

It's semi interesting that he chose a modern deck rather than a refurb 301 or whatever.

Also a Planar 10 is £5k whereas a full spec LP12 is around £20k I think. I don't know how much that Brinkmann deck is but I would guess £10k plus.

I should have figured it was bigger budget than £3k!

for ref, the Brinkmann is £13k

https://www.kjwestone.co.uk/product/brinkmann-taurus-turntable/

Any interest in some surplus speaker wire I have? It's this stuff

https://www.amazon.co.uk/KabelDirekt-speaker-2x2-5mm%C2%B2-Transparent-polarity-Red-Copper/

Maybe about 15m left? Would post for cost, just don't like the idea of binning it.

Pm'd

I've a Kenwood amp available if of interest to someone looking to put together a budget system.
https://www.lfgss.com/conversations/382651/#comment16812826

Anyone have some cheap phono cables?
I’ve chucked all the ones I used to have and now find myself needing some, and don’t really feel like paying under a tenner for something I’ve already chucked out.
So if you’ve got some (the ones you usually get in box) taking up space in your cable box, let me know and I’ll take them off your hands

Edit: my phone autocorrected phono to phone, making my request much more complicated than it actually is..

cheap phone cables?

I have a box of cables to sort through and get rid of! What phone? Or did you mean the red n' white Phono cables? (of which I'm sure I have some)

Apologies my phone corrected phono to phone.

I mean the red and white phono cables packed on boxes with amps/cd players (does anyone use those anymore)/ etc

Rule #1 of discussing hifi online: You don’t mention cables unless you want to start a fight.

(I don’t have any spare ones, sorry)