My first Rega upgrade - groovy baby!!

[wobbleu]

I found that the first white belt I bought (from the initial limited edition release) developed a slight kink over time - it was as if the rubber had hardened slightly where the belt went round the motor pulley so it had a permanent bend in it. The effect of was noticeable on certain records, and there was some slight noise on startup.

I swapped the belt out, with one from the second batch, the new one appears not to have the same drying out problem - perhaps I'm using the tt more - I don't know.

[RoDa]

[RoDa]

Unpacking .....


























BR
R

[RoDa]

Plastic Fantastic






The aliens have landed!!






BR
Rolf

[RoDa]

Satin, one of a kind.



R

[RoDa]

A few more pictures before installing on my RegaRB700























BR
Rolf

[RoDa]

The switch


Original



Weight removed



End stub removed



New end stub from groovetracer



Finished!



BR
Rolf

[RoDa]

Another Groovetracer product.......why?

Counterweight upgrade has been one of the products/tweaks I didn't quite believe in. After a bit of research on the web, I soon had only the Groovetracer and the Michell in my sight.
Combination of my own feel-good and feedback from users.


One user in the swedish forum Euphonia Audioforum really made me exited about the Groovetracer, and based on my earlier experience with this company I took another leap of faith. No guts no glory!
Thanks to 'Daniel' responding to me with quick answers.

Low, wide and close to the arm pivot. With the Groovetracer heaviest model this would be possible even with my 10,5g Ortofon.









I like the looks of the original weigt, and even more the looks of the tungsten heavy model. But to me they are too expensive, and they don't bring the low'n'wide center of gravity to the table.

At first the Groovetracers 'The Empire strikes back' looks were a bit odd, but already I'm starting to like it.
May the force be with you!










The user manual and helpful hints from Groovetracer were, like for the subplatter, overwhelmingly good.
To loosen the original end stub it's a good idea to wrap some cardboard around it before you grip it with the pliers.
Taped to the user manual I found two strips of cardboard! Thumbs up!!








Installing the counterweight is pretty straightforward.
First remove the original weight, and check if the Groovetracer counterweight fits the original end stub.
Mine didn't, the original stub was to big.
Then it's a little risk of damage involved.
The arm bearings are delicate and the original stub should be removed with caution. This is also thorougly explained in the user manual.
Mine came of very easy, and the threads on the new stub fitted perfectly.

Then you just set the VTF scale to 3 grams (to disengange the spring inside the arm, possibly better sound) and slide the counterweight on the stub until the VTF is correct.
It is mandatory to use a scale for this.
Also check that the counterweight is leveled out.






BR
-Rolf-

[thumpin]

Great photo's Rolf.
I'll be interested to hear how the coat hanger weight compare's

Groovetracer must be lov'in this thread. Free advertising. Maybe Groovetracer should supply you with a Platter for a VE review and photo exposay

Wait a minute, Myself and others have already done that

At this point in time, I am happy with my P3 + GT upgrades. I would however like to explore options for another cart to suit the Micro Seiki CF-2 Arm. I wish I could find what the effective Mass of the arm. Its light and would suit a higher compliance cart than the Denon DL-160, I think

[RoDa]

Free adverts
The two Groovetracer products I have tried gives me the impression of a very skilled and thorough manufacturer. The fit'n'finish is exellent.
So the least I can do is to share my experience.






I'm spinning records and will of course report my impressions of the coat hanger





-Rolf-

[RoDa]

Hot Rod Rega?


A few thoughts while the Rega is spinning the music with the coat hanger installed


The P5 with the Ortofon Rondo Blue set me back 1500$
(Used, almost new. Full price around 2400$)

Groovetracer Reference Subplatter 345$
(Included freight, VAT and customs)

Groovetracer Counterweight 220$
(Included freight, VAT and customs)

TT-PSU 435$
(Here in Norway)


Total price for the Rega with upgrades 2500$, and 1000 of those $ on upgrades alone....

Still there is rewire kits, feet, mats, platters, .......
Won't say I'll stop upgrading now. But maybe a small pause?


Though costly, the upgrade path is a good learning experience and luckily mostly a good upgrade in the sound from my Rega.

Best of all, I don't feel I have lost anything along the way, exept for the $ ...
It is still loads of 'Rega magic' even without all the original parts



Well then, back to the coat hanger vs the donut.





-R-

[RoDa]

THE DONUT vs THE COAT HANGER






As always a few songs before the change, and the same songs after.
My way to check for differences.
Differences? Hell yeah!!








As I said earlier I didn't understand why a different counterweight could make a difference on an arm with this type of bearing.
I cannot say I understand it now either, but at least I can hear it!
More so than I imagined.
Original donut counterweight and end stub anyone?

The first noticeable change was the bass. Tighter, more controlled and more detailed. It also brings a mean punch and all of this together gives the sound more rythmic drive. Where it used to be bloated, it now is tight and clean but not too lean.

The midrange and tweeter are more precise and focused, this both makes the sound relaxed and quiet and at the same time more detailed. The sound seems to appear from an even quieter background.

The changes in the presentation is, together with the bass, the most noticeable effect. The width, height and depth increases and most of all the stable and precise placement of elements within the soundstage is greatly improved. The soundfield stays stable even trough complex passages in the music.

Some of my records are old and have been 'touched' by a harmful stylus from old bad record players. A funny (and most welcome) effect from the new counterweight is that the wear'n'tear is still noticeable, but somehow it is not as present in the music.









These changes are in my system, with my P5 and my Ortofon Rondo Blue.
I am surprised by the changes, I did not see this coming.
Can it be that the subplatter and TT-PSU made my P5 more detailed and thus more revealing? Am I hearing the positive effect of turning the VTF-scale to 3g? Is it the effect of the center of gravity closer to the pivot point? The lower center of gravity on the counderweight?

My experience is only from changing the standard 'donut' to the Groovetracer 'coat hanger'.
No idea how it compares to the Origin Live, the Tungsten or the Michell variant.
But I am very happy with the result i hear!

Happy enough to stop upgrading my P5....? We'll see ...










Thank you for reading
Best regards
Rolf

[plastico]

Great pictorial RoDa! I looked at your profile and judging by your equipment, I would definitely get the groovetracer platter! My setup makes me giddy, I can only imagine what yours sounds like! That platter will make a definite difference! You will have a great P5.

[RoDa]

Great photo's Rolf.
I'll be interested to hear how the coat hanger weight compare's

Thank you, thumpin.
The coat hanger is doing a great job!

Great pictorial RoDa! I looked at your profile and judging by your equipment, I would definitely get the groovetracer platter! My setup makes me giddy, I can only imagine what yours sounds like! That platter will make a definite difference! You will have a great P5.

Thank you plastico
We'll see if the platter arrives eventually.
I'm also considering the mat from Herbie's.


-Rolf-