My first Rega upgrade - groovy baby!!

[plastico]

Hi Rolf. That was one of the drawbacks I thought of before getting the acrylic platter - stopping between plays. I think starting and stopping the platter - without any assistance, would possibly stretch the belt. The black belt certainly chattered upon initial startup, so I would give the platter a little spin before switching on the motor. Now that I have the grey belt - its not white, the belt does not chatter but I still give the platter a little spin, since I use a 454 gram aluminum record weight with a 600 gram copper outer ring. Cheers, Doug

[nabil]

Rolf,

I'm wondering if the difference in our experiences with the Herbie's “Way Excellent Mat II” has more to do with the Groovetracer reference sub-platter you have installed in your Rega than with any system-dependent variances. Groovetracer makes a convincing argument that their sub-platter assembly effectively decouples the platter from the spindle assembly and therefore from the plinth. So, that in your P5 with the reference sub-platter installed, the dampening qualities of Herbie’s Mat provide too much “decoupling”, creating the effects you describe. The fact is that many of the same qualities I have heard discussed regarding the benefits of Groovetracer’s sub-platter, I can say about the Way Excellent Mat (in particular the quieting/lowering of the noise floor). If you can remember (unfortunately our ears are notoriously poor at remembering the various qualities of a sound-which is way double blind listening with precise volume equalization is vitally important in any subjective listening analysis) what your P5 sounded like before the sub-platter upgrade? Perhaps we are talking the same language. I have the Groovetracer sub-platter on my list of potential upgrades, so this would be an interesting addition to this conversation.

Thanks

[Berty Bass]

I've been following this thread with interest as I have a P5, which has been upgraded with the TT PSU and Groove Tracer Reference subplatter. I'm also presently demoing a Fono pre-amp against my Mira's oboard phono stage and am fast approaching reaching listening Nirvana!

I was thinking of a different mat too, but am a bit reticent because the present set up sounds so thrilling! That said, I've been looking looking at the Arcylteller acrylic mat and was thinking about taking a punt on that, and possibly one of their record pucks too. Has anyone had any experience of using either or both of these items?

[RoDa]

I've been following this thread with interest as I have a P5, which has been upgraded with the TT PSU and Groove Tracer Reference subplatter. I'm also presently demoing a Fono pre-amp against my Mira's oboard phono stage and am fast approaching reaching listening Nirvana!

I was thinking of a different mat too, but am a bit reticent because the present set up sounds so thrilling! That said, I've been looking looking at the Arcylteller acrylic mat and was thinking about taking a punt on that, and possibly one of their record pucks too. Has anyone had any experience of using either or both of these items?

Thanks Berty.
Well, it looks like we're on the same planet of happiness
I'm waiting for a Funkfirm Achromat that I'm able to try out.
Will of course write a few comments about that one.

Regards
Rolf

[RoDa]

Rolf,

I'm wondering if the difference in our experiences with the Herbie's “Way Excellent Mat II” has more to do with the Groovetracer reference sub-platter you have installed in your Rega than with any system-dependent variances. Groovetracer makes a convincing argument that their sub-platter assembly effectively decouples the platter from the spindle assembly and therefore from the plinth. So, that in your P5 with the reference sub-platter installed, the dampening qualities of Herbie’s Mat provide too much “decoupling”, creating the effects you describe. The fact is that many of the same qualities I have heard discussed regarding the benefits of Groovetracer’s sub-platter, I can say about the Way Excellent Mat (in particular the quieting/lowering of the noise floor). If you can remember (unfortunately our ears are notoriously poor at remembering the various qualities of a sound-which is way double blind listening with precise volume equalization is vitally important in any subjective listening analysis) what your P5 sounded like before the sub-platter upgrade? Perhaps we are talking the same language. I have the Groovetracer sub-platter on my list of potential upgrades, so this would be an interesting addition to this conversation.

Thanks

Good thinking, nabil!
You may very well be right about this.

Before I installed the Groovetracer Subplatter I found the Rega a bit to nervous and out of focus. It had the speed, dynamics and "live" feeling that I didn't get from my CDs, but at the same time it was more noisy and lacking in precision.
After installing I found the sound to be more CD-like (in a positive way), the noisefloor dropped conciderably and the sound very much in focus.

All of the three upgrades made my P5 sound "better". Tighter, more focused and with the sound of control.
I will not say that it took away "The Sound of Rega", just that it improved the not so good aspects of the sound.

To me the Herbie's Mat is making the sound too tamed, in the mids and highs. The bass is actually a step up in detail and definition.
And yes, maybe this effect could be very welcome if I didn't install the subplatter (and TT-PSU)?

I'm also asking myself if it only needs some getting used to before I enjoy the changes brought from the Herbie's?

Thanks for the good input, nabil!

Regards
Rolf

[HBA]

If you are too chicken to try a full platter, atleast try an acrylic mat!

Arne K

Try this isolation system :

http://herbiesaudiolab.net/ttfeet.htm

Just incredible..I have added 4 under my P9 and the results were amazing.

The mats are also incredible...much. much better than the original one ( not only the looking but much more the sound improvement you got )

http://herbiesaudiolab.net/ttmat.htm

http://herbiesaudiolab.net/ttmat.htm

I almost forgot : as always, you took really great photos !!!!

Regards,

Thanks HBA

Actually I have a Herbie's Mat on loan for the moment.
Clearly a difference, but I will have to listen some more to make up my mind.

Did you replace the original feet with the ones from Herbie's?

P9, you lucky man

BR
Rolf

Rolf,

Firstly, sorry for the late reply..yes, I am using the Herbie´s mat in my P9 as well as the isoball ( isolation ) with good results...

[Dinohyus Hollandi]

Hello all!

Another first poster here, who's been following this thread for some time now and benefited from its contents while making his decision to order a Groovetracer Reference Subplatter for his 1995 Rega Planar 3 some two months ago.
If I were to evaluate this beautiful piece of engineering I'd be repeating what many people have already stated, so I'll just say: if you own a Rega with that plastic, oh pardon me, phenolic abomination, do your ears a favour and order a Groovetracer subplatter RIGHT NOW!
One thing's for sure: I'm planning to move up to a P5/TTPSU this spring (i.e. I won't be spending any more ca$h on the Planar 3 ), and the Reference is coming along for the ride.

The saying goes: "This thread is useless without pics," so here's some of my trusty ol' Planar 3...

Cheers!

[RoDa]

Thanks for reading and posting Dinohyus!

WONDERFUL pictures!
The last one could be framed and hung on the wall.

Wich clamp are you using?

Regards
Rolf

[Dinohyus Hollandi]

Thanks! Maybe I'll follow your suggestion and stick it on the wall of my listening room.

The clamp is the Michell Engineering one, more specifically the "R" version (R for Rega, obviously ). Is it useful? Well, sometimes. On the standard, short Rega spindle it's next to useless, unless the record you're playing is thin. Often it won't even grab the spindle with thicker vinyl. Is there any sonic improvement or change when using it? None that I can hear (or maybe my ears are just shot to hell from listening to too much heavy metal). It does make a difference if you're playing a record that's a bit warped by pressing it tightly to the mat/platter. Warp-induced artifacts seem to be better controlled that way. So, do you absolutely need one? Naaah, but it's cheap and looks nice so why not...

Cheers,
Frank.

[jrobby]

I have a non Rega silver Michell clamp that I bought about 22 years ago from The Audio Advisor. It had "Audio Advisor inc" embossed on it. I use it only on records that have some warpage to them. It seems to work pretty well unless your working with a complete "potato chip."
[img][img]http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee212/jimel84/RegaP5010.jpg[/img][/img]

[Frank_Sm]

Thanks! Maybe I'll follow your suggestion and stick it on the wall of my listening room.

The clamp is the Michell Engineering one, more specifically the "R" version (R for Rega, obviously ).

Cheers,
Frank.

Hi Frank, Nice pictures. Regarding the Michell clamp. If you use any of the Groovetracer subplatters, buy the NON Rega version because the Groovetracer subplatter has a much longer spindle.

[Dinohyus Hollandi]

Actually, the Rega version fits the Groovetracer spindle just fine. Methinks the only difference between the regular and the Rega version is the point where the clamp starts to take hold of the spindle and not the amount of space inside the clamp.

Given this new and improved Planar 3+ setup I might just postpone my upgrade plans for a while...

[bacobits]

Ok, here is one I did over the weekend.
I did post this elsewhere here too.

I'll just quote my statement.

Although my wood screws were not stripped.

I just did this on my RB700, and replaced the wood type screws with Machine Screws 6-32 X 2" Stainless screws, washers, and nuts from the hardware store about $2.95.

For what I'm hearing this is a tweak and a fix. More solid bass, more on the high end too. NICE!
I'll add more focus and detail too.

I don't know why Rega does stuff like this. These holes should have been drilled through the plinth in the first place. Can't be cheaper.

Try this, it is very worthwhile.

Den

[posensm2]

Thanks to RoDa for starting this thread. It seems to be a virtual road map of where to go with my newly acquired vintage P3.
I have put together a great system and really wanted to take it to the next step and returning to vinyl playback seemed the most logical place to begin.
For me, I think I will have to begin with the motor upgrade and then move on!
Very glad to have found this forum!