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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
jeffjarvis
257 posts
 


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.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,531 posts
 
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.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,531 posts
 
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.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,531 posts
 
I think dealers sense what you came in the store for and run with it. If you ask about a certain brand, that's what the store will guide you toward. If you come in for a speaker, the store will send you to speakers, rather than discuss an appropriate amp to drive the speakers you have.
piedpiper
753 posts
 
If the grinding noise is only on start up you be pretty sure it is just a belt/pulley/motor issue, rather than a missing bearing but by all means check it out. It's easy to do but be careful of loosing the ball bearing. It's small and rolls. Good luck and enjoy!
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