I walked into a dealer and got a shock....


I walked into a local Hi-Fi dealer with what I thought was just a turntable (Reaga P25 with Sumiko Blackbird Cart) needing minor repair. My vinyl sound has been a bit thin and the platter was making a grinding noise at startup and sometimes needing a push to get the platter moving. I described the rest of my system (Pro-Ject Tube Box SE II, Linn Kollektor, Mac MC402, Dali MS5's) and the size of my room (14x16) and the fact that the CD playback (Marantz DV7600)
It was suggested that my system was not matched and basically "too much electronics for a room that size". They recommended I replace the Linn preamp and the Mac Amp with an Audio Research VSi55 integrated (tubes). The price of the AR is about half of what I paid for the items that would be replaced. I understand price does not always equal performance. But I am shocked, especially since I just bought these items. Any thoughts on this suggested combination?
azmoon
The comment "too much electronics for that room" makes me hiughly suspicious of the talents and knowledge of that particular salesman.

I wish more sales guys would just shut up and listen once in a while.
Azmoon : Before you make any other audio decisions , you need expert advice on the Rega. I suggest going to the Rega Web Site requesting a solution to the problem and perhaps advice on locating a tech to assist you. Piedpiper is good with diagnostics but a second opinion helps. All the best.


SALESMAN = You have too much gear..
TRANSLATION = Trade that stuff in since I could resell it in a New York minute for a nice profit.

Re TURNTABLE:
My understanding the Goldring 1042 is a perfect match for the P25.
I would check to see if the ball bearing is still in the well and replace the oil with some 90w gear oil.(4 small drops).
How about a new belt?
Also check to see if the motor spindle is slipping.
I have read that a drop of superglue will work.

My second hand Rega P25 was running slow.
Discovered the ball bearing was missing.
Located a new belt, ball bearing and some 90w oil.
Then it ran too fast, so I put 4 layers of electrical tape around the subplatter.
Ahhh. Just right.

I downloaded a Stevenson Protractor, set up the alignment and bought a second hand Rega Wall Mount.
Regarding the Rega 25... When I had that table and inquired about that grinding sound, Rega told me that it was belt slippage. They told me to clean the belt and (I think they said) use talcum powder on it. ..no problem after that.
About the Rega too...there are numerous upgrades - rewire the arm, dropped counterweight, Boston mat, but the thing that worked best for me was getting cones - there are many makes - and invert the cones, put 3 under the Rega with the points up into and under that beautiful surround.