Rega RP3 v RP6

[RP3user]

With the RP6 due any time now I was just wondering what advantage the RP6 has over the RP3. Both have the all important RB303 arm, so what do you get for the extra £323?

Graham

[Frank_Sm]

RP6 = More rigid braces, glossy paint, slightly heavier glass platter. Comes with external power supply.

[watercourse]

You also get a different subplatter and the P9 feet on the RP6.

[mr.datsun]

And remember that the new TTPSU now costs £198 of that extra £323. Therefore, if my maths is correct, the new glass platter, subplatter, feet and alloy brace comes to £124. And you get one of the high-gloss plinths automatically.

[GR350]

According to a REGA rep the 6 runs at 50 Hz (USA version). Supposed to make it even quieter. I had just about decided on the 3 until this one came out. Now I'm pondering. Looks to me if you intend to mod a RP3 anyway it might be better in the long run to just buy the RP6 upfront. My 2ct.

[watercourse]

GR350: The stock P5 motor is a 50Hz motor. This may also be true for all of the 24v asynchronous Rega motors (I can't say for sure, I only have my motor).
So, it sounds like what the rep is saying is that the new TT-PSU runs at 50Hz? If so, this would be the first that I've seen/heard this spec.
If this is true, then the pulley diameter on the US version of RP6s would need to be different than every other US version to compensate for the difference in motor frequency.

[RP3user]

Looks to me if you intend to mod a RP3 anyway it might be better in the long run to just buy the RP6 upfront. My 2ct.

That may be so but if you intend to mod the RP6 with say an acrylic/delrin platter and maybe a GT subplatter you may be better off starting with the RP3. This then raises the question, what is the better deck a modded RP3 or stock RP6?

Graham

[Wozza]

Thats a good question I wss just thinking that myself.

I'd say a RP3 with a acrylic platter, Groovetracer ref sub platter and michell techno weight would be hard to beat.

[mr.datsun]

GR350: The stock P5 motor is a 50Hz motor. This may also be true for all of the 24v asynchronous Rega motors (I can't say for sure, I only have my motor).
So, it sounds like what the rep is saying is that the new TT-PSU runs at 50Hz? If so, this would be the first that I've seen/heard this spec.
If this is true, then the pulley diameter on the US version of RP6s would need to be different than every other US version to compensate for the difference in motor frequency.

Watercourse, you're right the pulley would have to be the same as the UK pulley. Also asynchronous motors have no Hz rating. They just rotate at a speed to dictated by the frequency of the AC current fed in. Speed=120*frequency/number of pole pairs. There has to be 24 pole pairs in the standard 24v Rega motor as it spins at 250rpm in the UK.

I just checked the box my TTPSU mk2 came in. It is clearly marked UK with EU and UL boxes to be ticked.

But then the actual TTPSU says AUS/NZ/EU/UK/US on the back with no indication of being one or the other.

The TTPSU also comes with a 24v 50Hz AC adaptor. Could one of these convert from 60 Hz in to 50Hz out?

[mr.datsun]

Now I'm pondering. Looks to me if you intend to mod a RP3 anyway it might be better in the long run to just buy the RP6 upfront. My 2ct.

GR350, I kind of agree and you can always upgrade the RP6's arm later to an RB700.

Somehow, I think the point of buying an RP3 to mod, is to say something like, 'I actually want something different to the thing I'm buying'.

[mr.datsun]

btw. I just noticed that the RP6 , like the P7, uses a 'twin-phase' synchronous motor. What does twin-phase mean?

[watercourse]

GR350/mr. datsun - that's so interesting, I would tend to think that - RP6 unseen/unheard of course - the machining of the GT subplatter and platter to be generally that much better than Rega's standards for the same components, that the price difference between TTs would push me towards getting the RP3 and TTPSU, and then throwing a GT subplatter/platter on it as resources allow.
Not having heard the new two-layer platter on the RP6 of course (huge caveat), but glass as a platter material just doesn't compare in the final analysis with either acrylic or delrin IME with the P5. Ditto with the stock subplatter with a metal hat on top.
Feel free to disagree!

PS I'm thinking I'll have to order an RP6 and do the comparison to answer my own question. Or wait for ToneAudio to finish theirs.

[GR350]

Here is the quote from the Rega site: The aluminium top hub adaptor is manufactured to the highest tolerance and uses a six point mounting system to ensure the platter and vinyl is presented as flat as possible to the stylus.

Makes me wonder if the entire hub is aluminum or if it is a cap that sets on top of the plastic pulley. I assumed it was a complete machined part. Can't tell from the pictures. Not sure about the exact differences in the motor but I had this conversation with the rep. He said adding the TTPSU to the RP3 is not the same as the combo on the RP6. The RP3 is a 60Hz machine and the RP6 is 50Hz (similar to the P7). I think this means the TTPSU must be a different unit. The glass platter is mfg in two parts and bonded together. Supposed to create a flywheel effect and greater speed stability. I'm going to talk to the rep again about all this. I'll report back when I find out.

Will all this make a stock 6 better than a modded 3? I have no idea and I can't afford to find out.

[watercourse]

Actually, I can't afford it either... I'd have to bring my rig to a dealer to compare, or buy from a plaice with a generous return policy.