New Rega Motor, glad I waited

[JohnMichael]

Rega has introduced a new motor that was first used in the P324 and P5. This is an improvement over the last motor upgrade. Glad I dragged my feet but this time I think I need to upgrade. Since my Planar2 is up in years it will be nice to have a new motor.

I think I posted that after the addition of the damping between platter and subplatter there was nothing new to do. Well I was wrong. Sadly I could never sell the table since with all the tweaks i have tripled the tables original price. Of course stretching the tweaks over a decade none of them seem costly. The motor and new board is $225 and then I could purchase and use the Rega TT PSU for even better speed control. Wow now that is two more tweaks. Oh well $225 is cheaper than the $2,000 or more I would need to better the performance buying a new table. One thing I have to say is I sure have fun with my table and tweaks.

[JohnMichael]

I just downloaded the instructions to see if I can do it before I order the motor.

[frenchmon]

Did I miss something? Is the old mother not performing as needed? Or are you just tweaking?

[JohnMichael]

Did I miss something? Is the old mother not performing as needed? Or are you just tweaking?

No the old motor is spinning perfectly as I type and the music is sounding good. My old Planar 2 has the motor that is loosely mounted to avoid any motor vibrations getting to the record. Rega in more recent tables reduced motor vibrations so they could rigidly mount the motor. The thought about the loose mounted motor is that it could move therefore speeds can be effected.

Now the newest motor has even less vibrations so it to can be rigid mounted. Once the motor is installed I will have the chance to use the wall wart power supply or the TT PSU. The TT PSU if I decide to get it down the road will allow for electronic speed changes.

Yes I am tweaking.

[JohnMichael]

Well I ordered the new motor today and it will be here Friday. Tomorrow I am off to Radio Shack to buy all the soldering equipment I will need. I will spend several days reading the instructions and looking at the new parts to make sure I fully understand. Monday my next day off I will be doing the install. Of course once I have it installed I am sure I will be working towards the Rega TT PSU.

I bought the table new on 08/14/1998 and it has served well.

Rega Planar 2 $450
Incognito Rewire w/install $295
Deepgroove subplatter $179
Michell Technoweight $179
Ceramic bearing $ 29
Funk Firm Achroplat $200
RDC cones Gift
Rega Motor Upgrade $225

Total table with mods $1,557

In the future another $400 for the TT PSU. Since the table has been modded over almost 14 years it has been painless buying a tweak at a time and a lot of fun. I am looking forward to hearing the performance of the table with the new rigid mount motor. One day I would like to compare mine with a stock Rega.

[JohnMichael]

Well now the motor will not arrive until Monday. Since I have Monday off it will give me plenty of time to do the mod and give a listen. I thought about removing the old motor early but I want to listen to the table with original motor so I have the most recent audible memory. I will be playing a classical recording and a jazz vocalist for the before and after.

[JohnMichael]

The motor will be here and I am as nervous as a pregnant nun. I have not soldered in years but I think I can, I think I can. I have read and reread the instructions. I have everything I need.

[JohnMichael]

The new motor is in and the table is sounding good. More info and pictures to follow.

[JohnMichael]

Here are some pictures of the mod. The first is the table without the platter and next with the subplatter taped down so the subplatter does not fall out along with the bearing and oil. The third picture shows the old motor and board. Then I have a picture of old and new. Lastly the area for the motor is empty and I have the double faced mounting tape in place and the two wires are the switch wires that I need to solder to the board.

[JohnMichael]

The rest show the newly mounted motor and the pcb. The last is the subplatter and new shiney pulley for the belt. The soldering was the least of my worries and the centering of the motor was a little tough. Turning the table up and down to mount and check was frustrating. A stand that would allow you access from the bottom while you worked would have been nice. I also did not press hard enough for the motor to adhere to the plinth and at one time it was loose so I opened it back up and really pressed it down.

Since there have been manufacturing variations through the years with Rega I had to remove the bearing shaft and place a washer underneath. This raised the subplatter so it was in better alignment with the belt. Not every Rega needs this but lucky me mine did. Of course then I needed to remove my rubber triangles you saw in the first picture.

I am glad it is finished.

[JohnMichael]

Initial listening notes are the Telarc recording of the The Rite Of Spring with Lorin Maazel conducting is not as agressive as I am used to it sounding. Bass is better and easier to tell the bass drum from the tympanis.

Diana Krall's Quiet Nights is more focused and seperation from jazz players to the string section is greatly improved.

Back to listening.

[JohnMichael]

After installing the motor I am impressed and would like to hear a fully up to date Rega. The more I listened last night the more I was impressed. The timing is much better which really helps with musical flow and bass lines are much easier to follow. Bass sounds deeper and punchier.

I was surprised by how loose the old motor was mounted. I found it interesting that the motor said it was a 50hz. The circuit board of the original table was much simpler than the new one.

Now I only need the Rega TT PSU which will allow electronic speed change. Instead of changing the belt to different pulleys I can press a button. I do have a number of 45 rpm records and would play them more often with easier speed changes. Of course the TT PSU will need to wait. I think I have tweaked enough lately.

[frenchmon]

Superb Job JM!!! Nice to read your impressions....and that Diana Krall record is also a nice one. I think I will pull it out of my collection and spin it. I also listened to "The Rite Of Spring with Lorin Maazel" and might purchase it. Congrats. I would be happy to read your thoughts on your table with a new Rega in a shoot out. Maybe you can take your table into a local dealer for the shoot out.

[JohnMichael]

Superb Job JM!!! Nice to read your impressions....and that Diana Krall record is also a nice one. I think I will pull it out of my collection and spin it. I also listened to "The Rite Of Spring with Lorin Maazel" and might purchase it. Congrats. I would be happy to read your thoughts on your table with a new Rega in a shoot out. Maybe you can take your table into a local dealer for the shoot out.

Yes that motor was quite an improvement. I would like to hear the RP 6 with the three point tonearm mount and the brace. Of course I would not use the felt mat or the Rega alignment. I would also need a MIchell Technoweight lowered counterweight. Well I would listen to it as Rega intended at first but I would have to make some changes.

[JohnMichael]

Anyone who has a Rega ttable with the suspended motor you will be amazed with the new motor. As good as I thought my modded Rega sounded it is now at a different level then before. Changing motors was the best tweak I have done so far. Proof to me that the speed and stability are important. The other major tweak was the Technoweight which improves tracking ability. Now that I have correct speed and great tracking I have a very good sounding table. The other tweaks were good but the new motor and lowered counterweight are the stars of the show. I think Rega is a great company to continue to improve their products and offer the upgrades to owners of 14 year old tables.

"It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing!"

[JohnMichael]

One thing I should mention is there is stronger hum when the Grado is in the leadout groove. I do not hear the hum when the Grado is in a modulated groove. The hum does not interfere with the music.

[JohnMichael]

Whoops! In my excitement and due to lack of info I did not let the table sit upside down while the adhesive adheres. 24 hours seems like a long time to wait. This should prevent the motor from moving as it has twice.

I should have known that with mounting similar to double faced tape that it would take time. I have used something similar putting hooks on my front door for decorations and bathroom doors for robes.

The kit comes with two pads one is double thickness and the other triple. My table requires the double so I am going to remove a layer off of the triple and remount. Needle Doctor is kindly sending me another double pad.

I was like a kid with a new toy but now I know I have to wait. Just wanted to let anyone know who might try this upgrade.

[JohnMichael]

I have decided that since the table has to be upside down for 24 hours I am removing the brass bearing hub and subplatter. Since I had the hub out to add the hub bushing for the proper height I know it is easy to remove. This way I do not have to worry about oil leaking.

Another benefit of the subplatter removed is I will not have anything taped down that will make centering the pulley difficult. I may change it's oil and check the bearing. I am using the ceramic bearing but I also have a ruby and SS bearing. Also with the subplatter removed and the bearing hub out of the way there will be no worry about anything striking the cartridge.

The fun continues.

[frenchmon]

I hope the new motor does not make trouble for you with the Grado?

[JohnMichael]

I hope the new motor does not make trouble for you with the Grado?

I do not hear the hum until the cart is in the leadout groove. The music is still sweet or it will be again tomorrow when I turn the table right side up. Then I will put it back together and enjoy. I think I am happier with the motor's position this time around.

Here is the heart of my ttable the bearing well and down the well is the ceramic bearing and of course my DeepGroove subplatter.

[JohnMichael]

After 26 hours of rest the table is in top notch condition. I reassembled the main bearing housing and the music is playing. I am very happy I did this DIY project.

[frenchmon]

Congrats on your improved audio experience.

[JohnMichael]

Congrats on your improved audio experience.

Thank you and this has been a great audio year so far. The Moon 110LP phono preamp with the addition of the Welborne PSU, the Grado Sonata Statement cartridge and the new Rega motor have added up to the best analog so far. Finding the sweet spot for the MA RS6's have added to the pleasure.

I have two days off after today and I plan on spinning a lot of vinyl.

[frenchmon]

Thank you and this has been a great audio year so far. The Moon 110LP phono preamp with the addition of the Welborne PSU, the Grado Sonata Statement cartridge and the new Rega motor have added up to the best analog so far. Finding the sweet spot for the MA RS6's have added to the pleasure.

I have two days off after today and I plan on spinning a lot of vinyl.

Man I wish I could have had a decent chance to listen to the Moon 310LP a few weeks back when Peabody and I went to take a listen. It was a terrible audio experience we had at that audio shop and I will never set foot in that store again.

I am a black man in his 50's. When I first stepped into the store that Saturday with my Billie Holiday and Diana Krall records in my hand, the guy behind the counter saw me and gave me that look, like he wanted to say what are you doing in here? Even though he could clearly see the records in my hand. But then he saw Peabody behind me and all of a sudden his countenance changed. So he ask what can he do for us. I asked do you have the Moon 110LP. He said no and then said nothing else until I said "well which preamp do you have?" He said the 310LP. He made no move to take me for a demo or anything. So I said "can I listen to it?" So he takes Me and Peabody back to the room where its set up. So I asked what would the 110LP cost me. He tells me $700. I then ask "Do you price match" and he says no. So then I asked the guy to put on my Billie Holiday album. So he fires up the rig and it sounded horrible! Even Peabody knew it. Everything was too warm and no excitement what so ever! Now the rig sounded like a total mismatch in gear. A Clear Audio Concept TT With the matching Concept Cartridge. That cart was very warm and too laid back. The intergraded amp was the Octave tube integrated amp, which is warm natured but not a bad integrated amp with the right speakers. But this night it had the wrong speakers. It had the Dynaudio C 1's. Now they are not a bad speaker with the right amp, but too me they are not a good match with the Octave because both being warm, with that warm laid back cart just destroyed any good sound. The 310 LP did not have a chance to shine. So after a few more spins we decided to go to another room which had music coming from it. By this time the sells man left us and was assisting someone whom he thought had a better chance of buying it seems.

In the other room was Simaudio amps, and a Simaudio CDP driving Focal speakers...no warm sound at all.

So we left there and went to one of the local audio dealers house who decided to pick up Onkyo audio and Monitor audio gear. Brand new in the box he set up Onkyos new seprates...
The New power amp M-5000R, the New CDP C-7000R and the new preamp the P-3000R Reference | Product Line | Onkyo USA Home Theater Products

Let me tell ya...this was some handsome looking gear. He also had the PRO-JECT RM-5.1 SE with a Blue Point No.2 cart. And he had the Monitor Audio GX 100's. Well it kicked the gear we heard at the audio shop in the balls! I mean if some one wanted a very good nice priced rig, that was it! And the Monitor Audio GX 100's I cant say enough good things about them! And that ribbon tweeter reminds me of that outstanding tweeter on the Golden Ear speakers. Its a really nice tweeter.

Then a few days later I did something I never do...I found a 2 month old Rogue Audio Stealth Magnum on Audiogon for $600. Man I whipped out my CC which is what I never do, and purchased it from the guy on audiogon, which is something else I never do! So I sent the guy my $600 through Paypal and he received it and I got my receipt showing it was paid for. Now this was on a Tuesday. So I email the guy who is in California and he said he would send it Fedx on Thursday because he had to go out of town on Wendsday. I said ok. But on Wendsday the guy emails me saying he found a better deal and was going with that. And that he was refunding my money. I emailed him 3 times to tell him that was unethical but he did not care. I filed a complaint with Audiogon and they found the seller guilty and I was given permission to write a negative feed back.

That was my first and last time doing business with audiogon. So I noticed that Rogue has a new phono stage out, the Rogue Triton phono amp. So I called up Rogue and they said they are fazing out the Stealth and told me the Triton is already realeased for sell and that it was even better than the Steath Magnum version at a cheaper price than the magnum version at $995. So I will order that next month.

[frenchmon]

By the way JM...if you have not already bought this album, you would do yourself a favor by getting it. Its the best I've ever heard Billie on Vinyl. They did about as best as they could in cleaning it up and its fantastic!

Billie Holiday-Songs For Distingu Lovers-200 Gram Vinyl Record | Acoustic Sounds