Re-awakening Strathearn and Rega?

[ExtPlayer]

Hi Folks, I'm new here. I was doing an attic clear out and came across 2 turntables I'd bought in my much younger days - a Strathearn Audio SMA2 (circa '78?) and a Rega Planar 2 (circa '87) and yep I'm that old. The heat seeking buttoned SMA2 works fully except it has no head shell, the Rega is complete except that it doesn't play at a constant speed even though I renewed the belt. I don't want to dump them particualrly as they're both in excellent condition (us oldies pack things away with care). So I'm asking for advice: 1) is it possible to buy an alternative headshell that could fit the Strathearn, it has a 1/4 inch alu tonearm (I've searched the internet for an original but no luck). Regarding the Planar - I haven't a clue.
I know the Strathearn wasn't the greatest sounding but its the '70's quirkiness I'm hoping to re-awaken. I'm really hoping to hear my long forgotten but perfectly preserved vinyl through an equally well packed (& preserved) A&R Arcam amp & Heybrook HB 1 speakers. Any help appreciated! Thank you.

[AudioSoul]

I don't know anything about the Strathern but The Rega would be a nice choice. Have you removed the sub-platter and inspected the spindle for rust or oil that has hardened? I would check that first. If the oil is indeed hard use a Q-tip and alchohol to clean the spindle and the bearing. Refreash with new oil (about 20 weight) and see if that helps. If not I would check for corrosion on the switch....

[Alec124c41]

In my old Planar 2, the resin sub-platter shrank like a dried-out orange, losing not much in diameter, but enough in roundness to sound like c%&p. An after-market machined aluminum sub-platter saved it from the bin. It sounds very well, indeed.

Cheers,
Alec

[Mark E Smith's Dentist]

Keep the Rega and ditch the Strathearn - they were seriously flawed by design - a low torque Direct Drive that was troubled by the extra stylus drag of low frequencies!

There could be a number of reasons for the Rega's speed inconsistencies. Apart from the bearing (with the platter on and belt disconnected it should spin for over a minute with a gentle push), check that there's no grease on the belt, motor pulleys or the outside of the subplatter. Download a strobe disc from this site and check the speed under electric light.

Let us know how you get on.


JT

[ExtPlayer]

Thanks to everyone for your posts - Regarding the Rega Planar 2 - I gently spun the platter but it stopped after 38 secs which suggested drag on the spindle. Extracting it demonstrated a nice vacum pull but I removed it anyway to inspect. The spindle looked good. Looking down into the brass bearing bush seemed ok too. So I popped the spindle back in and turned it slowly whilst listening closely where I heard a slight grating noise. From what you advised it seemed that the spindle oil had lost some of it's adhering properties no doubt due to gravity and unuse. As I didnt have the confidence to remove the brass bearing bush from the plinth (old age has a lot to answer for in sight and shakiness) I decided to clean the spindle, bush and ball bearing but all I had to do so was antiseptic wipes (another old age thing) then carefully remove any traces of lint using a camera lens cleaning cloth. Using a syringe I popped a couple drops of gear oil (Esso GP 80w - from my motorcycling days in the 70's) into the bearing bush and gently pushed the spindle in then used the platter to fettle it down. I removed the platter once more and using antiseptic wipes I cleaned the sub platter, belt and motor spindle. Putting it all back together I downloaded the strobe page cutting it out and placed it on the spindle and..... It looked darn good! I placed an LP on and all looked a ok but the tone arm was stuck - up. Using the syringe(complete with 0.8mm monojet needle) I carefully placed a drop of oil at the piston and gently worked the lifting arm up and down which released it from its 22 year old position. Whilst everything is working and sounding darn better than the 'flat' sound that seems to be the norm nowadays I'm not entirely confident that I - guided by everyone who kindly and promptly replied - have fixed the problem longer term. So, another question.... What would you suggest re: cleaning and specification of oil? And, would you suggest a service? Thank you once again. Oh, my carefully packaged Heybrook speakers rubbers were dissolved no doubt due to old age and I fear I damaged the drive cones - enjoying that BASE! - only noticed after a close inspection.

[Mark E Smith's Dentist]

It's unfortunate that the foam on Heybrooks (and many other speakers for that matter) breaks down over time. It's a relatively easy process to fix, needing a sharp knife, replacement foam, glue and clothes pegs. Once done they should be good for another 15-20 years.



JT

[ExtPlayer]

Thanks Jon.

[bikelectro]

Hi there,
The Strathearn SMA2 has sufficient torque, the cheaper STM4 suffered wow problems and poor lock. The SMA2 has build quality problems and was flimsy, but there are some improvements can be made. Of course, the Rega is the better sounding deck, but the SMA2 does perform OK with no speed or wow issues.
I have some spare parts, and could send you a headshell.

[nat]

Anyone who can get a Strathearn up and running has a kind of moral obligation to do so. We vintage nuts are not so much owners as curators of our equipment. Besides you can amaze your friends, and maybe become a YouTube sensation.