Well it's been a while since I posted the last update to this thread, so I thought I'd post my latest tweaks...
I have not upgraded to the Michell tonearm as yet and at $1200 it's not that likely, but here are the latest....
1. Installed an ISOKINETIK sub-platter and ceramic bearing
Once again this was one of those tweaks that I thought would provide a marginal improvement and again I was taken by surprise at how much more detail was attained
If you possess a Rega turntable with the standard plastic sub-platter, then get one of these - it's a very noticeable improvement - I purchased mine directly from ISOKINETIK's web site
CAVEAT: this requires a minor adjustment to the arm's VTA
NOTE: Home Depot has nicely machined steel spacers that fit very nicely under the Rega arm - look in the rotary racks where the "special screws and washers" are kept - they do require you to open up the hole a little, but this can be accomplished by emery cloth wrapped around a 3/4" dowel in about 2 minutes
2. Installed a Rega P2 Motor upgrade kit
Since the motor was 29 years old I thought it was time for an upgrade and purchased the upgrade kit.
Although there was a noticeable improvement in wow/flutter it was only really a apparent on those classical tracks where the piano played those long lingering notes, as most other instruments generally display some type of vibrato, which is less detectable.
But wait, is that more PRAT I hear - well yes - a little.
Also, the motor is supposed to be quieter and on a Rega deck maybe it is, but since I had already replaced the deck this might be the reason why I did not notice it was substantially quieter.
Was it worth the price of the upgrade? - Well it was more like it was my last chance to do it since Rega has stopped making the P2/P3 upgrade kits and I apparently got the last one from the Canadian distributor - lucky me!
They are working on a P3/24 kit due out later this year with an even better motor
3. Made a 3/4 inch thick MDF Shelf
I had this piece of MDF left over from making the Turntable Deck (see prior append) and thought it might make a better shelf than the one that came with the audio stand.
I attached (with back to back tape) three small glass plates where the feet would sit to give it a hard mating surface - the feet on the turntable deck are 1.25 inch marbles with a foam suspension interfacing to the deck, so the whole thing wobbles slightly - any music induced vibration is absorbed by the foam suspension and not transferred to the heavy deck.
The heavier 3/4 MDF also absorbs a lot of vibration resulting in some amazing new details.
The turntable now sounds amazing, but the only original components are the lid and the glass platter
SUMMARY:
Total cost (approximately) of all of the upgrades from the old Rega Planar II...
- RB250 arm - $300
- Cardas arm Rewire - $300
- Michell Techno Weight - $160
- ISOKINETIK Sub Platter - $180
- Rega Motor Upgrade - $225
- MDF Turntable deck $30
Cost of all the messing around and the discovery - PRICELESS! ;-)))
I believe there are more upgrades available for Rega gear than any other brand and most of the ones I tried made a significant difference.
Would a new turntable have been a cheaper option - maybe
BUT - discovering the improvements have taught a lot about what to look for in my next turntable - that is, if I can find something better under $2000
BTW - the MC cartridge I am using is a Denon DL 103 and probably one of the best matches to the Rega Arms available - and at $229 is a steal!
Don't be mislead by the price of this cartridge, there is a reason it's been used by the broadcasting industry for some 30+ years - it is surprisingly good.
If you want to spend more - it also comes in some interesting flavours
Happy Listening
