Thoughts on potential setup Rega Planar 3, kef r3 and NAD C 389 please.

[Mysta]

Looking predominantly for vinyl playback however the room also has a oled hdmi arc tv so the nad seems appealing.
Whilst i need to go and demo, i understand from reading the kefs and regas need careful pairing.
Currently the bundle comes in around 4500k max would be 5k.
Have seperate headphone amp so only need for vinyl, streaming and maybe tv hook up but the hdmi is a convenience rather than a priority. Would like to stream from tv, phone or bluetooth but a secondary to the vinyls.
Layman's guidance and input appreciated.
Thanks

Addum other 2 amps considering Audiophonics 400 or arcam 5

The heritage speakers come up a lot but i do like the look of the kef r3s.

 

[Mysta]

Sorry typos can't edit for sone reason

 

[Mart68]

I don't see any issues with your proposed set-up.

The Rega wouldn't be my choice of turntable but that's subjective.

 

[Bland_username42069]

This always looks best new buy in turntables for me.

https://www.technics.com/uk/products/premium-class/turntables/sl-1500c.html

Built in phono stage so you can just plug it into anything.

You’ll be able to pick up a good streaming amp with hdmi cheap enough then just spend rest of budget on speakers.

Matching streaming amp with hdmi from technics looks nice to me but you could get something for a lot less from Wiim or someone else leaving you with a lot of money to play with for speakers

 

[JeremyFife]

Hi,
There are, apparently, many ways to skin a cat and as @Mart68 says your way is perfectly good.

You will get a number of replies suggesting that you don't bother with vinyl at all. It is true that a digital source will get you better sound but, if you want vinyl that is your choice so stick with it and be happy.

Don't worry about 'pairing' equipment. That is pretty much irrelevant these days, just get good kit and you are ok.

In the spirit of suggesting an alternative, how about;
WiiM Ultra (HDMI input, Streaming, Bluetooth, phono stage, great EQ options when you want to look at that)
A simple power amplifier - in your case something like WiiM's Vibelink amp would be a neat match.
There are many options but this is high quality, and less expensive (around 650 for the electronics, plus whatever the speakers cost you)

Your original option is fine though, it would make a cool system

 

[Mysta]

Open to alternatives, rega seem to crop up regularly hence on the radar. Thanks

I don't see any issues with your proposed set-up.

The Rega wouldn't be my choice of turntable but that's subjective.

 

[Mart68]

Open to alternatives, rega seem to crop up regularly hence on the radar. Thanks

I'd go for a direct drive, ideally Technics.

 

[Mysta]

I'd go for a direct drive, ideally Technics.

Not reallu considered the drive options. Have a couple of sl1210mkIIs since the early 90s hence the modest vinyl collection but they will be housed in a different location

 

[JeremyFife]

Open to alternatives, rega seem to crop up regularly hence on the radar. Thanks

It's also worth a quick sense check ... how many records (I can't call them vinyls ) do you have and how often do you play them? Unless the answer is "a lot" and "very often" then I'd consider reducing the turntable budget, and certainly not extending it.

However, I'd also like a Technics SL 1500C - I just can't justify it. There is a question of aesthetics: the sleek Rega style, the "DJ" type like Technics or more "trad" like the Pro-Ject Classic range. Aesthetics matter with vinyl and you won't be happy if you don't like the look.

What's important is that you can mount a decent cartridge (MM is more than enough) and upgrade the stylus profile if you find that you get keen and want to upgrade. The Audio Technica AT-VM95 range is good for that, but there are options.

Personally, unless you have a large collection that you play regularly, I'd look down at the Rega P2, or an Audio Technica LP120 and save some money.
Having said that, the Rega P3 is a classic, and the Technics SL 1500C is lovely.

Others here have wider experience of turntables and will no doubt contribute too. Good luck

 

[Mysta]

It's also worth a quick sense check ... how many records (I can't call them vinyls ) do you have and how often do you play them? Unless the answer is "a lot" and "very often" then I'd consider reducing the turntable budget, and certainly not extending it.

However, I'd also like a Technics SL 1500C - I just can't justify it. There is a question of aesthetics: the sleek Rega style, the "DJ" type like Technics or more "trad" like the Pro-Ject Classic range. Aesthetics matter with vinyl and you won't be happy if you don't like the look.

What's important is that you can mount a decent cartridge (MM is more than enough) and upgrade the stylus profile if you find that you get keen and want to upgrade. The Audio Technica AT-VM95 range is good for that, but there are options.

Personally, unless you have a large collection that you play regularly, I'd look down at the Rega P2, or an Audio Technica LP120 and save some money.
Having said that, the Rega P3 is a classic, and the Technics SL 1500C is lovely.

^1Others here have wider experience of turntables and will no doubt contribute too. Good luck

Record collections around 600 albums 1100+ 12 inches.
Hmm the technics looks interesting - not as chic as the Rega however very familiar and reads up rather well for the price point.
Yes stylus IM well out of touch - mixing style is very different to playback listening (imho).

I do want to get a relatively decent TT and setup without getting silly. This will likely be my final TT purchase potentially (getting on 5 decades and counting) so my budget is not overly lavish, however I value good sound quallity - my chronological passion in life. Due to house refurb I've had no play area and do some home music production as a hobby, so whilst the works on the house being done and everything in storage I decided to treat myself to a Fluxlabs Mentor preamp and Audeze LCD-X (o/b) headphones.
I listen to a very broad spectrum of music 60s to current rock, hip hop, ambient to dance, chillout to experimental electronic, pop, reggae...one think that has struck me with the preamp and headphones set up - 1st track I played due to familiarity of the track and knowing its been well engineered Dire Straits Brothers in arms. First time ever listening I could actually hear the drumstick striking the snare and it's transients. Reason I reference this is the smile it bought to my face realising there's elements in music Ive never picked up on before due to budget restraints...it's moved me (and the wife keeps saying get a setup or lose the records - yes she was well informed where the exit is) to get a decent TT,Amp and speakers!

The WiiMs look interesting, not heard of them before but Ive been under a rock audio wise for a while now (worked in electrical retail 90s to 00s). But to be honest they're not wowing me visually however never say never has worked for me many times prior to this

I don't see any issues with your proposed set-up.

The Rega wouldn't be my choice of turntable but that's subjective.

@Mart68 Im opened minded. I just keep hearing in conversation and web (what Hifi and here to name a very few resources and I like the responses and vibe of this site so kudos to all); Rega, project which seem to be the most popular sub £1K and I do like the look of the Rega 3RS - but not set on it as I stated in the OP so hit me up

So far shortlist to try
TT - Rega Planer 3RS or potentially the 6 with the ND5mm (but I would need to be swayed audibly) and the technics 1500 is on the radar/appealling.

Amp - Nad c389 is my fav so far however still digging around , Arcam a15 (not entirely sold on this tbh so I think strike this one it was my first ooh looks good on starting out looking) could push to the SA35 however starting to edge into a different league pricewise but do able in overall budget wiht the technics turntable, Audiolab 6000A MkII, Rotel DX-5.

Spkrs - Kef R3 ( originally thinking the KeF LS50s but Id like something with a more traditional character, want to listen to the Wharfdale Lintons (the look to me is dated but do appreciate its meant as an 80s sentiment). Ive had B&W floor standers for about 30 years which have served well - but not exactly wow factor and a batterred after house to house moves. In the home studio I use Adams AX7's (active speakers). So Im still open - but I am very much drawn on paper and looks to the R3s.

For ref room is 3300mmx5500mm acoustic panelling one end (wifes idea/cosmetics).

Thanks so far all

 

[mike70]

Have a couple of sl1210mkIIs since the early 90s

if you have that excellent machines, with perfect speed, antiskating, VTA, good platter, adjustable feets with damping to support club noisy environments ... why do you need a Rega P3? Beware of all the "audiophile blah blah" ... the p3 is certainly a step behind.

 

[Mysta]

if you have that excellent machines, with perfect speed, antiskating, VTA, good platter, adjustable feets with damping to support club noisy environments ... why do you need a Rega P3? Beware of all the "audiophile blah blah" ... the p3 is certainly a step behind.

Fair question. The 1210s are in a different setup, and in the neef of some TLC.
This is a more dedicated listening/media room and a feature for the room.

 

[DSJR]

It's also worth a quick sense check ... how many records (I can't call them vinyls ) do you have and how often do you play them? Unless the answer is "a lot" and "very often" then I'd consider reducing the turntable budget, and certainly not extending it.

However, I'd also like a Technics SL 1500C - I just can't justify it. There is a question of aesthetics: the sleek Rega style, the "DJ" type like Technics or more "trad" like the Pro-Ject Classic range. Aesthetics matter with vinyl and you won't be happy if you don't like the look.

What's important is that you can mount a decent cartridge (MM is more than enough) and upgrade the stylus profile if you find that you get keen and want to upgrade. The Audio Technica AT-VM95 range is good for that, but there are options.

Personally, unless you have a large collection that you play regularly, I'd look down at the Rega P2, or an Audio Technica LP120 and save some money.
Having said that, the Rega P3 is a classic, and the Technics SL 1500C is lovely.

Others here have wider experience of turntables and will no doubt contribute too. Good luck

Ummm - The Technics top-range ancestor models (there were a few if you look on Vinyl Engine) were high quality and pretty much class-leading 'HiFi grade' turntables long before the DJ fraternity adopted the 1200mk2 you know Some had strobes on the platter edge chamfer, others didn't.

Regas shoot up in price outside of the UK market and even here, a Planar 3 with half decent cartidge is pushing a grand in UK money now, the SL100C or 1500C may offer more consistent price parity worldwide. One of my local record shops (we have two here, one for new vinyl mostly and the other more for used vinyl) has a 1500C with 2M Red (£800 ish Marantz amp and CD player and KEF LS50 speakers) and it 'sounds' very good, clean and quiet. The latest Techie motors may actually be smoother in operation than the mkII family (I have to say that as the motor layout looks like a derivative of the Pabst-made (I think) Dual EDS1000 series motor.

In a digital or neutral sourced system, the speakers are arguably the most important, but with vinyl, the hierarchy is with the turntable first, then arm, cartridge and phono stage, as if you lose quality there, you'll never get it back with better amp or speakers. Fortunately, cheaper vinyl players and especially pickups, have never ever been as good as they are now and rules seem able to be bent over my time, when cheap decks really were 'cheap and often nasty.' The 1500C/2M Red is one I'd own if I didn't have my motley stash of old decks, but I'm also intrigued by the AT LP5X with upgraded stylus to the VMN95ML. Not used one though, so it's a hunch... Use with lid off when playing and site very carefully for best bass quality.

 

[Chrispy]

First thought is why have a tt at all?

 

[Bland_username42069]

First thought is why have a tt at all?

i will assume the OP was a DJ (house / techno ?) back in the 90s and has a large collection of 12”s he wants to play in his media room.

I know exactly what is going to happen - op is going to get his 12”s out then he’s going to want to start mixing again with his new amp and speakers. It’s soooo obvious. Op is in denial at the minute but we all know where this is going really.

 

[Mysta]

i will assume the OP was a DJ (house / techno ?) back in the 90s and has a large collection of 12”s he wants to play in his media room.

I know exactly what is going to happen - op is going to get his 12”s out then he’s going to want to start mixing again with his new amp and speakers. It’s soooo obvious. Op is in denial at the minute but we all know where this is going really.

Amusing I asked for that

The 12 inches will be in the garden office, the media rooms for the albums and collectables. As I said earlier never say never, but unlikely Days of hauling kit and records in tote bins around are long gone
The fact that I've had the nod for the media room set up from Mys'sF is pushing it.
Ill get myself some demos arranged and see if my old ears sense the variation or sound
This is me grabbing an opportunity whilst the budget allows and finding a decent set up that suits the homes aesthetics without going silly.

 

[JeremyFife]

Sounds like you are heading for a really nice system.

Be aware that, while it's fine to choose electronics and turntables based on measurements and objective reviews, speakers can be very personal.

The speakers you are considering are all great and measure very well. They do have different characteristics though, including dispersion profiles. That affects how they will sound *in your own room* . If possible, audition at home or look for a return policy. Speaker preference is quite personal.

Enjoy choosing

 

[Mart68]

If you want to play your singles then be advised that with the Rega you have to remove the platter and move the belt on to a different wheel in order to change speed from 33 to 45.

With the Technics it's just pressing a button.

 

[Bland_username42069]

i understand when the system had to meet the aesthetics of the room.

Yamaha have some nice stylish looking classic amps - especially the 600a (imo) if you don’t mind using optical from tv to the amp.

There is another solution though - where you have turntable and speakers but the amp is so small you can just hide it.

Personally before anything I’d spend £90 on this (or something similar)

https://www.amazon.co.uk/S-M-S-L-A50-PRO-2-1-Channel-adjustable/dp/B0D1G7R489

And run your tv through it to understand what the new generation of tiny amps can actually do. It really is crazy how good these things can be. You can Bluetooth to it as well.

Play around with it and see what you think. It’s small enough you can hide it to preserve the aesthetics of the room and sound will be first rate.

If it doesn’t work out for you it’s £90 or return it but hearing what these types of amps could save you 4 figures which frees up money for speakers, a nice cartridge, new vinyl, or a present for significant other for being so cool.

 

[Mysta]

Thanks all for the great positive perspectives, insights and ideas.
The demo at home is definately on the table and should be able to arrange this with a retailer, I'm sure. Saying that its the puppy dog technique... Once its in at home, the nuances of difference can and will be forgotten.
I am leaning towards the technics 1500 as mentioned already.
My head is set in the r3 speakers.
Amps almost there till my ears get some rationale in place
Knowing me I'll just order and be happy after reading here and other places. Getting the records and kit set up for use is something I didnt think I was going to get done. So it's all good and I must draw back a little from the micro details to avoid procrastination leading to inaction thank you. Ill let you know how it pans out. Maybe a photo if permissable. The Technics is sitting quite strong in my end, however the boss is definately going to be outting a decider and she likes refinement and luxury sigh! If I out amd array of options in front of her without any price tags, I guarantee she would unwittingly decide in the most expensive...