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Fully Modded Origin Live OL1 or Stock Rega RB-600?

Wondering if the OL1 with structural mod, full external and internal re-wire and upgraded RCA's would be better than a stock RB-600. This is not the Origin Live Silver; it's basically a heavily modded RB-250. Will have a Dynavector 20xL mounted on either arm on a P-25.

It's counterintuitive to me to go backwards in the Rega line and gain an improvement, especially going from a $700msrp arm to a $575msrp arm, but who knows. OL says the OL1 will outperform a RB900 but, of course, they're trying to sell tonearms!

I can get a great deal on the OL1 ($375 - normally $575) but I don't want to waste the money if it's not going to be a significant improvement over the stock RB-600.
slate1
darkmoebius
900 posts
 
From their FAQ:
Prior to modification the RB900 RB600 and RB300 are superior to the RB250 but after modification, the RB250 is slightly better than the modified RB900 RB600 and RB300. The main difference being that modified RB250 has more power and control in the bass than an rb 900 rb600 or rb 300.
slate1 OP
82 posts
 
Right - I saw all of this on the Origin Live website and understand that this is the claim they are making. I was looking for more "real-world" input from individuals who have used the arms.

C123666: The wiring and bearings are better in the RB600/900 but Origing Live removes all the wiring in the RB250's they modify and replace it.
stefanl
296 posts
 
I am using fully modded RB250 with an Origin Live counterweight mod and an Incognito rewire(1 piece cartridge to RCA unlike the Origin)I am also using the TWL weight mod on this arm as well.I have a stock RB 300 and I can hear that the modded RB 250 is great although I have not done A/B comparisons as I have the arms on different tables with different cartridges.Suffice to say I consider the RB250 to be the better arm and use it on the better table.
jphii
485 posts
 
I shouldn't say this since I'm trying to sell a silver wired 300, but the OL250 is a better tonearm in my system. I too use the HiFi Mod, and Paul's VTF tweak.

I have tested both arms on the same table with the same cartridge in the same system. While the silver wiring in the 300 really does improve the arm, I like the OL better. It has more weight and definition, especially with the cheap and effective mods.

Go for the OL1, you won't regret it for $375.

Joe
twl
3,251 posts
 
I agree that due to various aspects of the design of the 250, it can be a better arm(when modded) than the 300, 600, 900 arms.

Some of the "tweaks" often used for the 300/600/900 arms are trying to restore them to as much like the 250 as they can get. Such as removing the spring, and going to dynamic balancing.

I'd vote for the modded 250.
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