Thoughts? Rega RP8 Turntable - Apheta Cartridge by Rega

joeinid

joeinid

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[TD="width: 500"][FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The Rega RP8 skeletal turntable.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Rega is extremely pleased to announce the launch of the much awaited RP8 turntable. A turntable which takes Rega’s design philosophy further than ever before. A radical new plinth using custom designed materials, a new tonearm bearing assembly, 24v low volt-age motor controlled by a hand tuned electronic power supply and a custom version of our Planar 9 engineered hub bearing assembly. These are just some of the features of this amazing new turntable designed to extract more music from your vinyl than ever before.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The Evolution of Revolution[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Evolution is a well proven and documented process in many areas of our lives. This applies in particular to design engineers and machines. Over the past forty years our cars have become more reliable and economical whilst we take for granted the reliability and speed of modern aircraft. Rega is no exception to evolution. Rega’s experience and previous achievements allow us to continually develop and produce better products.[/FONT]
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[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The RP8 represents probably the biggest step forward in the evolution of Roy Gandy’s turntable design philosophies. Low mass, high rigidity plinths combined with electronically controlled low vibration motors, high flywheel effect platters and lower mass higher stability tonearms.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The RP8 is the first of our new “skeletal” design turntables offering groundbreaking levels of performance and amazing value for money.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The RP8 will also be available with its perfect partner, the Apheta moving coil cartridge, factory fitted as a package option.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]TTPSU power supply[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The compact TT-PSU uses a high stability, crystal locked, low distortion sine wave generator. This, along with an efficient drive amplifier fed from a stabilised DC power supply, generates a 24V AC balanced signal of less than 0.05% distortion, which is completely un-affected by any changes in the mains/line voltage and conditions. This then drives the improved Rega anti-vibration circuit built into the RP8 motor PCB.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]RB808Tonearm[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The RB808 tonearm is packed with new features pushing the boundaries of tonearm design. As with all Rega tonearms each one is meticulously hand built by a team of highly skilled technicians. The RB808 has improved bearings and a tightened spindle fit tolerance over previous models (each bearing is individually selected to find the perfect match for the chosen spindle). This is a proven method of increasing the amount of detail retrieved from the record surface.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]A brand new low mass precision engineered vertical bearing assembly has been manufac-tured to further compliment the inherent design philosophy of the RP8 turntable. The RB808 uses the latest Rega arm tube. Completely redesigned to redistribute mass, further reduce stresses and resonances. This advanced design tube increases the stiffness and rigidity of the overall assembly using CAD design to blend the multiple varying tapers. Externally we have fitted a bespoke Rega designed low capacitance phono cable. Which uses an advanced phono plug assembly. This has only two parts to minimise joints and incorporates a twist and clamp design locking the plug to the terminal. The design increases connectivity and ensures the signal path is kept as clean as possible.[/FONT]
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[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Magnesium and Phenolic - Dual bracing[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]A super lightweight plinth combined with a double brace mounted specifically where the increased rigidity is required (between the tonearm mounting and the main hub bearing) forms a structurally sound “stressed beam” assembly. This design prevents energy absorption and unwanted resonances which will add un-natural distortions to the music. The RP8 takes our double brace technology to the next level. Not content with an unprecedented stiffness to mass ratio, Rega have obsessively reduced any resonant properties by using two different materials for the new stressed beam. The top layer is magnesium and the bottom layer is pheno-lic (two of the lightest and stiffest materials available). Incorporating two different materials into the brace structure lowers their ability to pick up unwanted airborne vibrations. Simply put, different materials have different natural resonances. By using two different materials together they decrease the natural frequency of each other by self damping.[/FONT]
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[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Super flywheel effect triple layer glass platter[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The new RP8 three piece laminated glass platter is the result of a collaboration with a small, emerging, young British glass engineering company. As a general rule the only part of a turntable that requires extra mass is the turntable platter in order to achieve constant rotational speed. However a heavier platter creates more problems for the main bearing design so again an ideal compromise creates the best solution. Practically this means keeping as much of the mass to the outside rim of the glass platter to create more flywheel effect but keeping the inside of the platter as light as possible without sacrificing stiffness. The RP6 was the first Rega turntable to use a precision engineered glass ring laminated to the outside using modern CNC techniques to ensure concentricity. The RP8 takes it one step further by laminating three rings together to produce the RP8 super flywheel effect glass platter - an engineering triumph ![/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Skeletal plinth design with polyolefin foam core[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Controversially Rega has always researched methods of producing light but stiff and rigid plinths. The technology is simple: unwanted noise at microscopic levels is developed by the turntable motor and main bearing. The plinth can also pick up airborne vibration from the music. From the beginning in the 1970’s Rega pioneered the use of a stressed skin structure for the plinth. This uses two layers of phenolic resin with a lightweight particle or fibre board sandwiched between the skins. This technique has been used in many applications where stiff, light structures are needed such as an aircraft wing or a Formula 1 chassis. The current increase in interest in turntables has allowed Rega to research and develop higher technology structures for the customer who is happy pay a little more for higher sound quality. The all new RP8 turntable utilises a unique new stressed skin structure produced from thin phenolic skins sandwiching a featherweight nitrogen expanded, closed cell, polyolefin foam core. This material has been developed exclusively for Rega over a three year period. The RP8 plinth is 7 times lighter than the weight of the original Planar 3 plinth. Rega has added even more stiffness in the crucial area between the arm and the main bearing.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]De-coupled outer frame and dust cover[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]A common problem for many skeletal design turntables is the inability to incorporate an effective dust cover into the design. We have constructed an outer frame that minimises contact between the inner and outer plinth. The only points of contact are three location devices on the feet which centralises the inner and outer plinths perfectly. This makes set-up extremely easy and allows the use of a dust cover. The RP8 can be used without the outer frame if so desired.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Turntable design & mythology[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Today there are many approaches to Hi-Fi design which follow established and informed engineering or electronic principles. Amplifier and loudspeaker design has been well documented over the years with excellent technical publications. These subjects have been based on tried and tested acoustic criteria and many computer software programs now exist that enable a near amateur to design a passable working loudspeaker based on known acoustic and mathematical parameters.
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Enter turntable design: When it comes to turntable design we are limited to a few poorly informed articles describing only very limited aspects of design. This is a subject full of mythology. Designers propose theories that counter the basic laws of physics, use terminology that doesn’t actually exist in the engineering world, build products that are more like beautiful sculptures than acoustic reproduction machines and sell items costing tens of thousands of pounds that hardly function as intended and often fail to work at all.
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[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]For instance a very common myth is “the heavier the better” concept. Turntable bases weighing tens of kilograms are not uncommon. The reality is that the base actually needs to be as light as possible to prevent unwanted bearing and motor noise being transferred to the turntable or record. Platters also fall under a similar myth with many platter designs becoming so heavy that it is impossible to design a correctly functioning bearing (and some so light that anyone can hear the speed inconsistency). The turntable platter itself needs to be of enough weight to spin at a constant speed within the confines of the chosen bearing and motor drive system.
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[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Many amateur designers in any field choose one component in a design and try to achieve an extreme in size, weight and quality. They believe that by taking one theory to its extreme the design will become “perfect”. The reality of all engineering, design (and life) is that perfection is not possible. Based on this reality, Rega’s goal has always been to optimise a mixture of numerous “correct compromises” thus bringing the designer nearer to the unachievable goal of perfection.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]24V Low noise motor
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[FONT=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The motor is a high specification, 24V twin phase synchronous unit which has the anti vibration circuit hand tuned to each motor and is controlled by Rega's unique and innovative TTPSU power supply. The motor drives the CNC machined pulley and sub platter/hub-bearing assembly via the belt drive.[/FONT]

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I'm thinking about this for the bedroom system and my VPI for downstairs.
 
I've read so many good things about Regas. About how they sound good, have nice arms, have some nice upgrades. One thing that seems to be a common thread is that the designers don't put out a new table unless there is a sound reason for it. I'm trying to figure out why they have the option of the different style plinth. Keep the whole thing together for the traditionalists, or take it off for those who like a more modern style. What sounds better? Either? Did the marketing and sales teams say that's how it should be in order to get more sales? I dunno, but it seems like a departure from their ideology.

To me most Regas look cheap, fortunately the RP8 starts to get away from that. It probably sounds fantastic and has some new-fangled plinth material, but I would never own one. That's just me...playing devil's advocate. :)
 
Tone Publications Review:

http://www.tonepublications.com/review/review-rega-rp8-turntable/

Rega RP8 Turntable

Five years ago, when visiting the Rega factory in the UK, I joined a group of Rega dealers to witness something very special at Rega founder Roy Gandy’s house.
A new skeletal plinth design that was supposed to be a step above the flagship P9, featuring a one off, ceramic platter and what appeared to be an RB1000 tonearm. Needless to say the sound was fantastic and the following day, back at the factory, we saw more. Gandy and staff were coy, referring to it as a “prototype,” and a “work in progress,” tempering our enthusiasm, telling us that “it could be out in a few months, a few years, or not at all.” So, I returned to the States empty-handed, but I did learn how to play cricket.
But time flies when your having fun, and we now have the RP8, looking surprisingly like that prototype I saw years ago, but for a few minor changes. And, on one level the RP8 is a pretty big jump forward for Rega. They have always championed a low mass plinth design as the path to analog greatness and the website hints that “this is the first of the skeletal plinth designs.”
Featuring a new RB808 tonearm, which looks like a further refinement of the direction taken with the RB303 on the RP6 turntable, introduced last year, and also features new, lower capacitance tonearm cables, that look very audiophile-like in nature. The RP8 has an MSRP of $2,995, however US customers can purchase one with Rega’s $1,800 Apheta MC cartridge attached and set up for $3,995. A major bargain, if you have the right phono stage.
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The hub/subplatter features a machined aluminum cap, extending all the way down so the belts can contact the full surface. Rega claims that this, combined with the new tonearm provides for increased resolution, and the first record auditioned, Herbie Hancock’s Empyrean Isles brings a new perspective on this Blue Note classic, and illustrates a turntable, tonearm and cartridge all working together as a system.
One of the toughest things facing an analog enthusiast is getting this combination correct, so that the optimum trackability, resolution and stereo separation can be achieved. Freddie Hubbard’s Coronet bleats out of the left channel, completely occupying the left half of the listening room, with the proper height and spatial relationships – is both beguiling and convincing. The drum kit is miked equally hard right, with Hancock on piano, gently floating in the middle, with Ron Carter’s bass keeping the bass on track, yet dissolved into the stereo image.
Quick Comparisons – up and down the range
Utilizing the Audio Research REF Phono 2SE, with two identical inputs and the ability to load both phono cartridges at the 50 ohms required for utmost HF smoothness (and honestly, my ARC SP11 mk.2, with it’s 30 ohm setting is pure bliss with the Apheta moving coil cartridge, but alas only one input) makes it a snap to compare the RP8 to both the RP6 and P9 to see just how much higher the bar has been raised.
The MoFi version of Aimee Mann’s Lost In Space underscores the improvements on two levels. This densely layered record needs a first rate analog rig to lay bare all the intriguing textures and spatial cues, which the RP8 aces. Perhaps even more intriguing is the LF performance of the RP8 – it’s very close to that of the P9. If you haven’t experienced the P9, it’s not like the rest of the Rega range. It possesses incredible weight and body. The RP8 has a similar weighty feel, you almost don’t expect this kind of locked in bass response to come from a table that is the opposite of some of todays massive record players.
That machined aluminum subplatter pays another big dividend; much better pitch stability, and consequently revealing more low level detail. Where Mann’s delicate voice wavers ever so slightly during “Guys Like Me” on the RP6, it is rock solid when switching to the RP8. This doesn’t mean the RP6 is rubbish, you don’t notice the difference as easily until you play it right next to the RP8, and let’s face it, the RP8 costs twice as much.
The biggest surprise comes in a side-by-side comparison with the P9. While the $5,000 P9 still has more LF weight and an even dreamier, more defined high end, the RP8 closes the gap tremendously, leaving this reviewer to wonder what Rega has on the horizon with the RP10. An urge to spin the recent remaster of Devo’s Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo! Illustrates the huge soundstage the Apheta is capable, with synthesizers and special effects everywhere. Moving up to the P9 offers an even bigger soundfield, yet pace and timing are equally enticing with both decks, yet the P9 takes the lead, with the opening, distorted bass line of “Mongoloid,” offering more grunt and more texture.
Ticking the necessary boxes
It wouldn’t be an audiophile review without some female vocals, eh? The Low + Dirty Three In the Fishtank 7 LP seemed the perfect place to start, with it’s dreamy, ethereal vocals, fading way off into the distance of the soundstage on the opening track, “I Hear…Goodnight,” with Mimi Parkers gentle brushwork on the drums so faint, it would be lost on a budget rig. This record also clearly illustrates the ease by which the Rega combo handles the violin – exquisite.
Going up in tempo to Me’Shell Ndegeocello’s Plantation Lullabies proves that the RP8 and Apheta can rock in a major way; Ndegeocello’s thunderous bass riffs command authority with this table and cartridge anchoring her sensuous vocals all the while.
We covered the Apheta in detail in issue 10 at it’s introduction. In five years, it’s only gone up in price $300 and my opinion hasn’t changed. This is a fantastic cartridge with a lightnening fast response, but it must be loaded properly or it will sound harsh and thin. With comparisons to the RP6 and P9 out of the way, I could go back to in-depth listening through the ARC SP-11 mk.2, which has an incredible on board phono stage that just happens to have a loading setting of 30 ohms – perfection for the Apheta.
This allows the cartridge to have maximum dynamics, smoothing out the HF response at the same time. Keith Richards “You Don’t Move Me,” From his Talk is Cheap album features great acoustic playing by the riff meister that hangs between the speakers. Richard’s voice has never been his strong suit, yet it is rendered with plenty of body here.
Regardless of the program material chosen, the RP8/Apheta combination delivers the goods. Though you’ll save a few bucks should you choose an Exact 2 cartridge, if you have a phonostage up to the task, the extra $500 for the Apheta upgrade is the smartest $500 you’ll ever spend in the world of analog.
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The nitty gritty
For those not familiar with Rega turntables and phono cartridges, they are the ultimate in simplicity, when it comes to setup. The Apheta cartridge uses three screws instead of the usual two and this provides perfect alignment. Your RP8 can arrive with the Apheta already installed, so all you need to do is five minutes of basic assembly (fit the belt, the platter and set tracking force/anti skate) Analog bliss is about 15 minutes away, if you’re really poking.
Personally, I love the skeletal plinth and as I have no children or furry creatures to threaten my analog world, I can bask in the RP8s high tech glory. Those less fortunate, fear not. The RP8 comes with a traditional plinth and dust cover that will protect it from the environment. I could not discern any audible advantage or disadvantage to the extra hardware, but congratulate Rega for providing it. My audiophile buddies were polarized, they either thought the RP8 was really cool, or tried to explain to me how it couldn’t work.
We could discuss techie bits in further detail, but you can read about that here, on Rega’s website. Suffice to say they all work together brilliantly and the RP8/Apheta combination reveals more music than most in its class, if not all. Mounting the Apheta on the VPI Classic 1 gives a warmer, slightly more bass heavy presentation, but it does not offer up the resolution that the RP8 does. It’s like the difference between a Mini Cooper S and my Fiat Abarth. You either prefer the more nimble ride of the Abarth or the somewhat more posh ride of the Cooper. There’s no wrong choice.
However, if you want a high performance record player with next to zero fuss required, I can think of no better choice.
My Rega journey began with the Planar 3 in 1982, and somehow over thirty years later, I have the feeling it’s not over. Roy Gandy and his crew are a clever group, and as long as they keep refining their turntables, there will be new vinyl adventures from this fine British company. I’m very happy to award the RP8/Apheta combination one of our Exceptional Value Awards for 2013.
-Jeff Dorgay
RP8-Full.jpg
The Rega RP8 Turntable
MSRP: $2,995 ($3,995 bundled with Rega Apheta MC cartridge)
www.rega.co.uk (factory)
www.soundorg.com (US importer)
 
Having heard and looked at several Regas. I almost got one until I found that most of them require an equal amount in upgrades just to get them up to snuff. I got really worried when I did a head to head with two different entry level Regas vs my old Pioneer PL510A, Sure it was comparing belt drive to DD, but I still thought the Regas should have bested my Pioneer (going on what the dealer claimed, we were both shocked when it went the opposite direction). I'm not a fan of them personally. Just my opinion.
 
MusicDirector said:
Just my opinion and experience, not worth much. If it were me, I'd put another VPI on the consideration list.
Click to expand...

Eric,

Stop being so hard on yourself. You are smart and have experience. I respect everyone's opinion and input, yous too !!!!
 
Haha!!!! Get it!!!! :)
I don't know much about regas only heard them once or twice and they didn't make a real impression good or bad.
In that pricerange there's definitely some competition. I'd look around .
 
It's a great turntable, and the price is right. It doesn't look like much, though, and it's very, very lightweight, but that's by design.

I found no difference running with the full plinth or not. So it's up to what looks best in your system.

As for the sound, my only problem with it was the somewhat light bass. Maybe because of the materials employed, you don't get a whole lot of bass out of these.

But it was considerably more detailed and transparent than a VPI Classic 1 I had at the same time in my room.


alexandre
 
I love my Rega P25 with the Groovetracer mods, Cardas Incognito tone arm wire and Rega Exact cartridge. Seriously looking at the RP8 and RP10 while keeping the P25 as a backup...

Dave
 
Joe , I liked the RP8 at the TAVES. However did you hear Doug's TT ? Well Tempered Amadeus TT ? Very easy to set up and sounds wonderful...Sounds like ANALOGUE.
 
Hi Paul,

No. I have not heard his. I already have a great table and should get comfortable with it.
 
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