WG - as indicated was possible in the post by zd542...
I have "pimped out" my 30+ year old $200 Rega Planar II to the point where the only original Rega parts left is the on/off switch and the plexiglass cover
The following are the mod's in approximate chronological order
1. I preferred the Michell Techno weight to the standard rega weight - it lowers the centre of gravity of the weight which improved dynamic and bass performance.
2. I preferred an acrylic platter over the Glass Platter - it does not ring so much and you can avoid using a mat, which I found improved dynamic performance and clarity.
3. lower end Rega's use a plastic sub-platter (i.e. the part the glass platter sits on). I prefer an alloy sub-platter, especially for the acrylic platter, since I found it enhanced the overall clarity
3. I found having the arm wiring replaced with a one piece silver litz cable enhanced details considerably over the stock rega wiring - which improved details, clarity, imaging and bass perofrmance - this was my first arm modification.
4. I replaced the plinth - there are several options available, but being "handy" I made my own and found it improved the overall performance considerably.
5. I ended up replacing the entire arm with an Audiomods Series 3 arm, which is a far superior adaption of the rega arm - and comes with the litz wiring mentioned above standard and micrometer VTA adjustment (if desired). The only thing this arm has in common with the Rega arms is - the arm tube and even that has been re-engineered. Superb value!
6. I replaced the steel ball in the bearing with a ceramic ball - reduced rumble to "near-zero"
7. Rega Motor Upgrade - it reduced speed variations
The approximate cost of all of that > $2k
I would recommend getting a TT that has...
- a removable cover, otherwise it can resonate
- comes with spiked feet - or
- exceptional isolation feet - the rega feet are quite poor
The nice thing about this approach - I got to implement enhancements over time as the budget became available and as my knowledge evolved.
Knowing what I know now - I would probably opt for something that would take a little less "effort" - Like something from
- VPI
- Music Hall
- SOTA
- Michell
But then hindsight is 20/20 :-)
Cartridges...
- for the rega style arm, the stock Denon DL103 is a great performing moving coil "starter cartridge", reasonably priced at $229 and a breeze to setup - but you can get upgrades for this as well, like...
- one of the ZU 103's which perform significantly better than the stock 103 - or
- the Soundsmith 103's - almost the "ultimate" in 103 mods, but they do require a MINT protractor for the best setup/sound.
- There is a guy in Italy that does a complete 103 rebuild, which involves rewinding the coils - $$$$$$ + TIME
I've tried Rega, Nogoka and a few other cartridges, but found I preferred the sound of the Denon's in my system
I guess it all depends on your own personal "approach" and more importantly - your budget.
I also agree with another member - if your system is highly resolving - get a TT with comparable abilities
I also use a Simaudio MOON LP5.3RS phono stage - which performs extremely well - especially if you use a great power cable - or the available seperate power supply.
And those are just some of the mods out there :-)
Hope this helps
