Good, I like being surprising from time to time.

The P9 was a jewel of a turntable in my opinion. The RP8 was more a lateral move, but their new RP10 is unquestionably a step up for me and really the best Rega I've heard. Granted, I've experienced the typical criticisms of overly forward sound that lacks body, yes, but that was mainly on systems that were not synergistically favorable to them. The Apheta really needs 50 ohms to sound ideal, and loading it with higher ratings will typically result in that kind of stereotypical "bad Rega sound." Their IOS phono stage is another good product for the money in my opinion, and while it pairs well with a variety of different carts, it has a special setting just for the Apheta.

Really, you'd be surprised just how many people don't have their high end gear dialed in correctly, and I've heard stuff twice as expensive as the RP10 sound twice as bad just because it keeps going out of spec all the time. I find there's a definite appeal to Rega's ease of ownership. Which brings me back to the statement I made: if I had $7k to spend on a vinyl package right now, I'd seriously consider the RP10 + RB2000 + Apheta at the top of my list. Yes, that's given the budget of $7, though I'd still consider it even if I were spending more (just not as strongly the higher up I go; I'm being practical, not delusional).

big bump from the past but I'm happy to hear positive impressions of the RP10. I've never heard one but its up there on my list of dream tables. When it comes to turntables I put a lot of value on simplicity of setup and use. Really hard to beat the Rega 3 pt cartridge alignment in that area.

but for the time being the 1200 and P3/24 are plenty of turntables for me.

Simplicity is good, but I would say "VTA, what is dis??" is not good. Not when you are trying to sell me a $2200 tonearm. Reminds me of VPI's "anti-skate is for dummies" attitude. Turns out they were the dummies.

Truth, but if you use a rega cart its a moot point. But a lot of people don't like rega carts.

hey guys I need some advice (talking out of)

I have a chance to get a rega planner 3 with a rb300 (cardas recable) + shure v15mr + jisco needle + 24v motor+ glass platter +wool mat for $700 USD.  This would be my FIRST turntable and to be honest it would wipe my budget and I don't have any phono preamp or amp(besides my portable piccolo amp) or speakers (planing on getting some airmotiv 4s when the budget allows).  How bad of an idea is this?  my plans where to get the rp1 later when budget allowed.

The wiping the budget thing is what I'd be worried about.  Vinyl, even used, hasn't gotten any cheaper!  Also worth looking into getting a cheaper stylus for your cartridge if you go into the used route.

You will likely also need record a cleaning system of some sort to further protect your investment.

so you think its not worth it?

I have a chance to get a rega planner 3 with a rb300 (cardas recable) + shure v15mr + jisco needle + 24v motor+ glass platter +wool mat for $700 USD.  This would be my FIRST turntable and to be honest it would wipe my budget and I don't have any phono preamp or amp(besides my portable piccolo amp) or speakers (planing on getting some airmotiv 4s when the budget allows).  How bad of an idea is this?  my plans where to get the rp1 later when budget allowed.

That sounds like an 'effin amazing deal to me. Whether you want to dive into vinyl is a different consideration. It's not a cheap hobby. But if you're going to do it sooner or later I can't think of a much better value than what you listed. Maybe a used SL1200, not sure these days what they go for.

Shure V15 is quite legendary as a cartridge. Don't know about replacement stylii though. I don't think you'll be able to find a RP3 for any cheaper than that.