Rega upgrades/tweeks

Yesrogers;

I think the end stub on those arms are OK (RB 700?). What you are looking for is a metal end stub that is very secure on the arm, so that it is essentially one piece and I think that arm already has that. Find out which of those weights can be used on the existing stub (if it's OK, i.e.- metal and rigid). You can definitely get improved bass with a better end stub. Groovetracer subplatters are supposed to be excellent. They are well machined alloy subplatters, which should enhance the PRaT on that deck, but again look at what you already have. The marbles sound like a good idea. They're cheap and reversible, if you don't like it. I use pumice sponges under my Rega feet and they really opened up the soundstage. Rega's are very sensitive to the base material/shelf they are sitting on, so check that out. They(like their design)need a light and rigid platform to sit on. A wall mounted shelf is best, otherwise a light floor standing rack works well too. Check out Ken Lyon's posts on "vinyl asylum". He's been tweaking these decks for years and seems to have squeezed every last drop of PRaT out of them. Even stock, they are a ton of fun to listen to when they are set up correctly.

Mikkysix - I have to ask - what is PRaT???

Thanks

Added the Michell Techno Weight to my Rega RB250 Arm
Purchased from Trichord Research

OK - so this was the only purchase to date where I thought I would not see much improvement and was prepared to live with the fact that it may only "look better" than the Rega supplied weight.

I mean - where's the science? - a lump of metal attached to the "non-business-end" of the arm, just hanging there doin nothin except looking cool!

Boy, was I ever surprised...
- I first noticed considerably more details in the low frequencies and significantly deeper - played Genesis - Trick of the Tail
- then the very precise imaging grabbed my attention - instruments appeared much more separated and focussed - played Eine kleine Nachtmusik from Tacet
- then I put on Stevie Wonder's Superstition - WOW! - what a transformation - so full of energy
- So then I tried my James Newton Howard & Friends album and all of the above differences could clearly be heard quite clearly

To sum it up in one word - DYNAMIC! - much more dynamic

Who woulda thunk it! Definitely a worth-while investment!

It did take 2 weeks to arrive - seems it had customs baffled - they even opened the blister pack!

Trichord Research were very good at responding to my questions about when it was sent and even offered to send another unit. - Nice to see good Customer Service for once!

I'm now considering the Michell Techno-arm

Williewonka, I had the same skepticism about Michell's Tecnoweight. It's amazing that a counterweight can do so much. Before you splurge on a Tecno-arm, check out this $5 mod to your RB250:

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?eanlg&1032024188

-Mark

Mark (Mingles) curse you! I thought I was finsihed with tweeks! 8-)

If I read it correctly the idea is to sit a small bar across the pivot point with two out-rigger weights to resist only the lateral movement created by the groove pushing on the stylus - make a lot of sense.

The ole grey matter is now working overtime with a removable design that can simply be dropped onto the the arm.

Seems there are some key points to consider
1. the distance the weights are suspended from the pivot point - there has got to be an optimal distance?
2. keeping the C.O.G. on the same plane as the stylus - I think this is a key reason why the Techno weight works so well, since the weight was no heavier than my Rega Weight and no wider
3. ensuring the weights are centered i.e. precisely balanced
4. do not allow the weight to swing freely

I'm currently working on a 2 1/4" thick MDF plinth, so it will have to wait.
But the winters in Canada are long and dark, so I should have some time - between skiing that is!

Thanks for the pointer.