My first Rega upgrade - groovy baby!!

[RoDa]

Thank you Frank_Sm


I took a chance bying the Groovetracer subplatter, normally I wold prefer to try out a product at home before purchase.
In this case I trusted the testimonials on the web and went for it.

It's a logical choice when it comes to the subplatter, IMHO it has no competitors offering the same solution.
The Deepgroove has a poor website, and doesn't reveal much about the construction. Although cheaper, it doesn't seem to have the same level of fit'n'finish. By far.
I like the Isokinetik Isosub GT2, and I believe that this is a good way to go
if you don't want to pay the extra money for the Groovetracer. You're missing the three piece construction though.
It looks as if the latest version from Isokinetik also has a really nice finish!
Has anyone tried the Isokinetik vs the Groovetracer?
There is also an option if you want the TT to spin a little bit faster than 33 1/3 ....
http://hi-fi-avenue.blogspot.com/2010/0 ... -rega.html
Well, think I'll keep mine running at the right speed. Don't believe I lost any "Rega Sound" in doing so either.
All of the positive feeback on the Groovetracer, plus the fact that it's a three piece construction with decoupled record spindle made me pay the extra money and order the reference subplatter.
The product met my expectations and the communication with the seller was good and I got all the informatiuon and help I needed. Exellent!

So.
It looks good, feels good, and has ticked all the right boxes related to the construction.
But does it make a difference in the sound from the TT?
Preferably an improvement.....?

With the help of my friends (RB700 & Rondo Blue) I tried to find out.




BR
Rolf

[RoDa]

Normally when I get a new component, or part, for my stereo I have an urge to install it as soon as possible.
But this time I wanted to take my time to better evaluate the possible difference between the original and the Groovetracer.

Eric Clapton's - Running on Faith and Old Love from MTV Unplugged
Tracy Chapman's - Fast Car from her self titled album
...and a few more songs

I went trough the songs to have them "fresh" before I did the switch.
Then I played the same songs with the Groovetracer installed.

The difference is right in your face, no need to double-blind test this one!
I will try to list the most important improvements IMHO:
- Silence. The noisefloor is considerably lowered, the backdrop onto wich the music is presented is blacker and quieter. Earlier I got the impression that the CD-player was calmer and more quiet than the TT, not anymore.
- Focus. The soundstage snaps into focus, all the instruments and artists are more defined and precisely placed. It's easier to hear their placement. I also believe that the soundstage opened up and was presented wider than before.
- Precision. Related to the improved focus, I also hear all details better defined, the sound of a guitar-string, the bass-line, new details in the recordings that earlier where hiding in the "fuzz" .....

The music sounds more "alive", the feeling of he music being reproduced is replaced by the feeling of the music happening in my living room. Instead of listening to a TT playing music, I'm listening to the recording itself. A big leap in performance!!

I don't know how much out of round my original subplatter was or how wrong the diameter was making it spin too fast or too slow.
Rega of course has to make cost considerations when manufacturing the P5, and the Groovetracer reference will set you back some 250$. Actually 340$ before it arrived in my mailbox in Norway (incl shipping and VAT/customs).
Still, I have no problems putting both thumbs up and recommending owners of a P5 to buy a Groovetracer Reference subplatter.
(Or perhaps a Deluxe or Standard as I suspect they also will be a step up from the original)

I am HAPPY with my "new" Rega P5, the Groovetracer Reference Subplatter is an upgrade in every aspect of the word! Strong recommendation!




Best Regards
Rolf

[alicenir]

as you can see i am new here.....
just ordered from ISOKINETIK their ISOsub GT2 S sub plater and waiting for the package to arrive.
i hope that i would hear diffrence also, i ordered from them many upgrade for my Rega Planar 3:

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_M ... directlink

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3Y ... directlink

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/pD ... directlink

[RoDa]

Nice Planar 3!
Looking forward to hear about your impressions when you have installed the subplatter.

Best regards
Rolf

[alicenir]

Thanks Rolf,

Check the ISOkinetik website, you will find many tweaks for TT.
I already purchased from them their Counter weight, ISOfeet, and Rega Belt that made a huge diffrence.
Just recieved the Denon DL-160 MC cartridge and installed it.

Bye

Nir

[choppa]

I'm currently in the process of machining my own sub platter and bearing housing. I have currently machined out the aluminium piece and sandblasted and soon I have to turn and balance. I'm extremely lucky that I have machines available for my use. I really would dread paying 250 euros for something which really is extremely easy to manufacturer.
I will keep you all posted.

Here is one sub platter I made for my other forever going project. The design will be basically the same, just the diameter size will change.

[album]11767[/album]

[alicenir]

Very nice!!

[HBA]

Congratulations for the topic..very nice pictures. That´s what I like in Rega´s decks: a lot of upgrades available. You should try the counter weight, new mats, white belts, etc...which will bring new "live" to your P5 .
Please, keep us posted.

[MadMax]

Excellent write up and photos Rolf, I think you should sell those pictures to Frank!

[Spinnr]

RoDa it is my hope that you will further upgrade your Rega and take wonderful images of how it is done. A stunning post.

You have fully captured the possibilities of this site and use of the digital format for communicating with us all. Your post, this post, should be a reference for us all. This is how it should be done.

I am very keen to recapture my youthful vinyl beginnings with a Rega 3, and I will buy this upgrade when my project begins. I thank you for your time in quality of photography, in teasing story telling, and in clear education of instructions.

As this is one of your first posts, I look forward to all the others you make in the future.

As an aside, I welcome any commercials here if done as well as this post. I want quality and information, not just texted opinions by fellow amateurs. I am able enough to make up my own mind. And this product is high quality. I respect quality, passion, and ability to bring an idea into reality above all.

Vinyl forever.

[RoDa]

Looks wonderful choppa.
As you say you are lucky to have machines available to create your own parts.
I don't think the Groovetracer Subplatter is priced to high, both the used materials and the finish gives me the impression of a well designed product.
And of course the big improvement in the sound from my Rega.

Thank you HBA.
I look forward to explore more upgrades, and I will of course keep you posted.

Thank you MadMax. I enjoy sharing my thoughts and my pictures. If Frank wants to use my pictures on his website I will be happy.

Thank you for the wonderful post Spinnr! I really enjoy this way of communicating with fellow vinyl-lovers, and to share my expreiences along the way. Your feedback tells me that people enjoy reading my posts and it makes me happy!
Looking forward to writing more posts on vinylengine!





Best Regards
Rolf

[thumpin]

Rolf, nice story, photos and feedback.

I'm currently waiting for GT stock to be made. I was going to fit the GT platter too but decided to go just for the subplatter.
Did you consider the GT platter

ps: I wish the platter was available in black

[alicenir]

Nice Planar 3!
Looking forward to hear about your impressions when you have installed the subplatter.

Best regards
Rolf

Hello Again to you All,

Just recieved the ISOsub GT2 SubPlatter from ISOKINETIK and i must say:
wooooooooooowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww - yup
that is a big difference sounding from the original plastic subplatter from Rega.
The sound became more crisp, Treble & Mid's are even more noticable - i love it.

I see, you want some Pictures:












Well, thats it for now.....i am off for vacation in North Italy with my family.
see you all in one week

[Sky]

thanks! very nice post. great pictures and detail.
makes me want to do this upgrade but I've been spending far too much already!