I had been out of the turntable listening zone for a long time, having a B&O from the 'eighties that I inherited from my wife's aunt to hook up now and then to a Hafler preamp I had on hand to listen to records now and then and transfer some to cdr.

I began to realize (partly with Steve's help as he mentioned on the board a few times that I probably ought to be listening to vinyl) that I had been trying to make my digital front ends sound like what I remembered from the best vinyl systems I've known. And so I started researching turntables. I had an invitation to go over to a friend of a friend's and check out their system, and there was a Denon turntable there and a Rega paired with a Denon integrated amp. I really liked the sound of the Rega, it's liveliness got to me, it seemed to have a real "drive." So I did a lot of reading online and decided to try a RP3 that was for sale on audiogon and paired it with a PS Audio GCPH which I also found on audiogon. This was a very nice pairing and I then decided to order a ZP3 which really (I mean REALLY) put me further towards killer vinyl sound.

The first RP3 had an Elys2 and the TTPSU. One day I did something really stupid and I lost one channel of the output of the RP3. Envisioning a long long wait for repair at the local Rega dealer, I cast about for a back up table and was offered another RP3, this with an Exact2 mounted. Ironically when I set up the new RP3 (using the TTPSU) and brought in the first for repair, it was ready for me to pick up the next day! But the second RP3 remains in my main system, and I bought a white belt for it and I do prefer this turntable to the first. The Exact2 gives a bit more of a detailed sound, but still has that vivid warmth that the Elys2 offered. What I guess I like most about the RP3 is the drive, the "PRAT" thing (Pace, Rhythm and Timing") that goes a long way to making music seem real to me. The TTPSU and the white belt both contribute nicely and are worthwhile upgrades--they help increase stability and between the two you'd think you were listening to cd as far as wow and flutter go.

I'm very happy with the RP3 and I bet you'd be happy with an RP6 and the Exact2 is a great cartridge to consider. I have never tried other cartridges on my RP3s but the Rega ones fit on the tone arm so well. . . I'd probably keep one on there, I bet the synergy is better than many another. The Exact2 also matches up with the ZP3 very well.

Mark, congrats on the new upcoming gear.  I just got my Torii MK IV last week and I'm still seeing what it can do.

I use a Marantz TT 15S1 TT.  I comes with the Clearaudio Virtuoso ebony wood.  I've used MM carts forever and this is the best one to date.  This setup is still sold for about $1,500 and getting the Virtuoso makes it a super value.  Clearaudio makes the table for Marantz to their specs and it has some nice features.  Setup is foolproof with this cartridge.  I have also used an Ortofon with it as well.

Scott
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Thanks for everyone's input.  I am very close to getting the RP6 with Exact 2.  I just want to hear the combo in person.  Have to find a dealer in Dallas, TX.  Any suggestions?

Lon, I like your last two selections on "What's Spinning".  A couple nights ago I listened to  a late 80's Vinyl reissue of "Milestones".  Was your's Vinyl?  If so how does Jazz sound with your rig?  And I think Stone has been in my house going through my Music collection...hehe

I listened to a little Monk the other night.  This Live double LP recorded in Stockholm was excellent.    http://www.amazon.com/Thelonious-Monk-Live-Stockholm-1961/dp/B0087CXXSY/ref=sr_1...

I love my setup....I'm not sure how it stacks up against some of the real pros out there though. It consists of:

Thorens TD125 mk2
Shure M97xE Cartridge
Jico S.A.S. Stylus
Zen Triode ZP3 Phono Stage
Zen Torii Mk3 Amp
Klipsch Kg4 Speakers

To me the setup really sings. I have a fairly eclectic mix of records but it really shines with music that has a lot of texture. I tried many amp, cartridge, needle combos before I fell in love with this one. The Jico stylus is a total game changer too. The difference in detail is night and day.

All those tubes...makes my pants tight in the front.  

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I don't think you will be disappointed, the Rega RP6 and Exact 2 is my TT and cart as well although I'm running it with a Rega Fono MM and Taboo Mk II.

You have a stellar setup and I'm jealous of your ZP3 and CSP3 ... those are on my wish list!

Another question for everyone.  I bought an older ZP3 not yet set up or unpacked.  My question is with it's two phono inputs, one if the front and one in the back....can I have two TTs hooked up at the same time?  I'd like to have my new Rega for records in good shape and old Pioneer for trashier LPs. Mark.