CES 2015

Rega's current "top of the line" RP10 features the RP8's "skeletal" frame but ups just about everything else. It features a ceramic platter similar to the P9's as well as an aluminum alloy sub-platter and pulley, a new iteration of Rega's venerable cast tonearm and an upgraded power supply that allows for speed adjustment.

Though the $5495 'table (w/o cartridge) has been available for awhile, this is the first time I've seen one in the flesh. The importer has so far chosen to not supply one for review.

However, an upcoming "assault on the turntable 'state of the art' " from Rega Research may be headed our way once it is ready.

I write "may" because a review sample of the RP10 had also been promised. Why did the importer choose to not supply an RP10 for review and in fact, review samples were subsequently supplied to other reviewers?

That is a question I didn't ask the importer because it is their business and their choice. I did however, express my displeasure with having been promised one for review upon its release and not being given a heads up that it would not be delivered—something I found out in a less pleasant way: reviews published elsewhere.

I was told (after the fact) that the review sample was delayed until release of the new Apheta2 cartridge coming soon. Given 20 plus years of honest, and mostly positive Rega coverage, a "heads up" would have been nice, don't you think?.

Why am I divulging this here? Because more than a few readers have asked in private emails why there's been no RP10 review here or in Stereophile and I'm sure posting this item would have elicited even more questions. Hopefully we'll soon get the RP10 for review along with the new Apheta2 and later the upcoming "assault" turntable. Also on display in the Rega room was the reference $6995 Rega IOS MC phono preamp.