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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
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,496 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
6,496 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!
azmoon OP
126 posts
 
Update - I should mention that the dealer I went to was the one that Rega sent me to!! Actually, I went to the Rega site and they routed me to Sound Organisation who referred me to a local dealer. I have since talked to another Rega dealer who gave me suggestions but who will not "open up" the P25. So I have tried the simple stuff (cleaning etc.). Noise is reduced but still have to give a slight nudge to the platter about once every 10X I turn it on. I will live for this for a while until I can find someone to work on the guts which I am reluctant to do myself ( a listener more than a technician but learning). Thanks to all you guys!

Stringreen - Thanks for the input. Can you please tell me how to find the cones you are referring to?
piedpiper
753 posts
 
To rephrase my former advice, the Rega manual instructs you to always start the platter with a manual push. This is ALWAYS a good idea with ANY turntable in that it saves wear on the motor and belt, if it has one. Many tables specifically use low torque motors that typically exhibit less vibration than their higher torque brethren, with the assumption of hand starting the platter. This becomes even more relevant with very heavy high mass platters.

Pulling the platter off and removing the subplatter/bearing is not a big deal. Just be careful to align it as you pull it out and put it back so as to minimize any initial chafing. There will be a small ball bearing at the bottom of the bearing well. If this is not there, replacements are available.
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