Rega upgrades/tweeks

I've installed the deepgroove subplatter with ruby bearing, and use the TTPSU with my P-5. I am now solidly in Yesrogers camp; no more upgrades. I'm just buying more vinyl and enjoying it. I've also quit trying different cleaning fluids; I'll stick with the one that I like and just go on with my life. I can now listen to the music, not the equipment.

Joe, Don't you own the Groovetracer subplatter?

I do, indeed. At my age I confuse terms sometimes, it is the groovetracer w/ruby. Every LP is another small adventure. I'm also learning the CRITICAL importance of keepting the stylus clean.............

Adding the Funk Achromat to my Rega P3 was the best thing I ever did to the deck, as it cleaned up the sound no end. The bass is more defined and the treble less harsh.

Over the years I have tweeked my Rega to the point where I now have a really nice detailed, tight, airy sound with excellent imaging

My turntable is a 25year old Planar II - the one with the melamine covered particle board plinth (Not a winner!) and the glass turntable with the non-rega arm

So here are my twweks:
1. get the RB250 arm (minimum)
+ Rega Elys cartridge (minimum)
2. get rid of the crappy Rega RCA plugs
- the wire is actually very good
- adding Furutech RCA's made a world of difference ($20)
- WBT silver solder ($20)
3. cover the melmine surface on the plinth with Cork ($5)
- reduces music induced vibrations
4. cover the underside of the platter with cork
- reduces music induced vibrations
5. install a Mission "sorbothane" turntable mat ($40)
- reduces music induced vibration
- reduces pickup induced vibration
- tightens bass
6. install a decent record weight/clamp
- a hockey puck with a hole that grips the spinddle works great($1)
- extends high end details
- increases image accuracy
- reduces pickup induced vibration
7. loosen the feet
- you should be able to rotate the foot freely
8. isolate the feet from the shelf using large glass marbles ($1.50)
- increases high end details and imaging
9. sit the deck on an MDF shelf in a decent rack
10. Lubricate the subplatter shaft
- in the sump: high viscosity gear box oil
- on the shaft: Duralube oil additive
- Duralube makes a huge difference - so quiet now

OK - I know some of them seem a bit weird, but they each work.

This turntable never was one of Rega's finest - the only good thing was the motor, bearing and platter - Oh, and the cover. So I had nothing to really to lose.

The glass marbles may sound hoakey, but they made an astounding difference, the deck appears a little "wobbly", but it is stable enough with the marbles under the rubber feet - you'll need about a 1 inch marble.

Best bang for the buck - the Furutech RCA plugs - try them before you re-wire the arm

My next tweek is to replace the plinth with one made of MDF - hoping to get rid of the cork look.