About a year ago I went from the Rega 3 to the 5 with the external power supply (TT PSU). Basically the 5 retains the 3's personality and addresses the sometimes noticable pitch variation I had with the 3. The 5 also has better mid-bass control and a bigger soundstage. Overall it is more refined than the 3. It is not eons beyond the 3 though which is testament to the 3's value. The 3 w/ RB 300 arm has long been a budget reference. The 5 is just a little more all around- more detail, more space etc. Rega turntables are hard to beat at the low to moderate price points. I'd gnerally categorize the Rega sound as quick and invovlving, a suspension table might sound more laid back (like the Thornes I used for 15 years). I can't really comment on Regas versus the present day competition as the other reviewer here does (he preferred the Rega 5 to the VPI scout) since I have used a Planar 3, then P3 then P5 over the last 15 years. I like a table that is easy to use and one that has dustcover included because of my dog's hairs. Many turntables have no dustcover or charge upto 300 dollars extra for one. I used them with all kinds of cartridges- (my turntable stays the same, but I have used Rega's own, audio technica, Ortofon etc. all had their strong points. As I have for a long time, I buy many used and new records and enjoy them on the Rega P5. Its a good no fuss choice. If you are hardcore analog/turntable guy and like to tweak alot Rega might not be for you.

Musical, excellent detail, wide sound stage, beautiful harmonic's, build quality

None

I brought home a VPI Scout and Rega P5 to decided which one to buy, using the
same cartridge, a Benz Ace it only took a few songs on the 1st record to notice
how much more musical the Rega P5 was.
I changed from Jazz to Rock same results the Rega P5 was just more involving it
made me want to listen to another record and another record.
The VPI Scout was nice it had a better wow factor looking at it and I wanted so
much to like it better than the Rega P5 because of the looks, but unfortunately for
me the Rega was just a more musical.
The other thing I liked about the Rega P5 was the arm and head shell, the Rega
is solid, it feels like you are holding on to something that is not going to brake
in your hand, a nice machined piece, the VPI Scout had more of a fragile feel to it,
weather you were moving it or raising it, it felt more fragile or dainty than I care for.
If you are looking for a turntable that is very musical and has excellent detail
and harmonic structure great sound stage go listen to a Rega P5.
If you need something that will impress your friends with looks and have an
avarage sound go buy a Scout.

Similar Products Used:

VPI Scout, Rega P3 and Rega P5 tables
Associated equipment, B&W 805 Nautilus speakers,
Ruark Templar speakers Proceed Amp2, Golden Tube SE-40, amp
Cary SLP 70 with phono stage, Audio Electronics AE-3

Very musical with excellent detail, tonality and harmonic structure.

None

Without a doubt the P5 is superb turntable and an excellent value. The sound goes beyond anything I have heard from CD regardless of the price. I am using the Rega Elys 2 cartridge borrowed from my 12 year old Planer 3, while waiting on the Rega Exact cartridge to arrive. This allows a good comparison of the two turntables and the P5 offers significant improvements in the overall feeling of the music. I would say that the most dramatic change is in the resonance of acoustic instruments. The sound is balanced with a degree of palpability and detail that is exciting. All instruments come across natural (no small feat), with great dynamic impact. Highly recommended.

Customer Service

Excellent support

Similar Products Used:

Rega Planer 3, Thorens, Yamaha (first model, 1980?)