Re: Rega - discussion thread

by wingman Thu Feb 17, 2011 3:06 am

[quote="mugenfoo"][quote="sflam"]

mugenfoo wrote:

But that being said, as for the P3/24, at the prices today that Asia Sound is throwing it for .... its still a bargain! Only drawback is for the previous owners of the previous model P3/Planar3, the s/hand value would need to take a discount as well. But there is no pleasing everybody everytime.

Wow...bargain price....good....their sales pitch is to compare prices with other countries but they fail to understand the earning power of an average malaysian and an average person from another country of comparison. ( apple to apple )Lets, not compare the upper class or ultra rich / uber rich. Just an average malaysian who wants to get into analog music.

Oh yeah.. there's the P1 and Some P2 ( last remaining stock ) for the average Malaysian.... Wink

. But not the P3 and above....$$$ without external PSU, add $$$ for external PSU. P5 is a no no ..... Evil or Very Mad

.

Their PR and after sales skills have taken a nose dive compared to a year or two back. One of the many reason on why purchasing from the WEB is flourshing...and the cost is kept low to resell as well.

Back to the observation...

That being the case.... most pre-owned TT's like the Thorens / Planars are priced similar or slightly lower to a new P2 or a P3-24. Even a Japanese TT cost a few hundreds in similar range as the P1.You don't see much pre-owned Thorens /Rega TT being sold, even there are, its quickly taken of the owners / sellers hand.

And also existing owners are embarking into tweaking it further with after markets solutions which could be cheaper then a new one step up TT model. These after market solutions are sourced locally or via the WEB - Counter weight, aluminium sub-platter, acrylic platter or isolation platforms and the list goes on.

As what you just mentioned, the QC is slacking, as such individual's and companies have seen that little slack and developed after market solutions.

Even the Amori TT ( emerging market TT ) is in a similar price bracket as a P3-24 colour. Build wise it looks like a tank, good legs. Think it was reviewed by "The Star daily paper - Audio Correspondent"

In short...pre-owned TT price will hover around the similar price bracket for quite a while until demand goes down.

Mugen...did u get a pre-owned P2 Question

cheers

by mugenfoo Thu Feb 17, 2011 5:36 am

Initially, I set-up a P3/24 for a friend with a Rega Bias2 cart. But not using the supplied paper protractor. I used Baerwald alignment instead.
Preferred this sound compared to the Rega alignment.

i then "HAD" a pre-owned P2, which i then sold to a fellow forummer here, then he also sold it off to dunno-who lately i heard.

Next dabble was with a P5 (with the RB700 arm).

Then now i got hold of a recent brand new P3/24 just for kicks. Probably to be combined with another convenient-system for easy listening and background music.

cmboy wrote:
Errr... technically not quite right, because it does have a speed switch
toggle for 33 & 45. If its "user fine adjustment", then of course
none lah.

Ok, lemme re-phrase, "no user FINE adjustment" available!

by mugenfoo Thu Feb 17, 2011 5:38 am

If anyone is curious, there is this brand of TT that uses OEM Rega parts, but they build their own plinth, platter etc etc. But they retain the stock RB arm, and the Rega motor system as well.

It's carried by Music-by-Design at Jaya-1. Saw it there a few weeks ago. Anyone keen to see a "transformed" Rega, can pop by there to have a look.

Don't ask me the brand name, i forgot what it was called.

by wingman Thu Feb 17, 2011 6:03 am

Mugen...

You have heard the P2 right up the alley to P5.. whats your take on the sonics and build quality ?

cheers

Very Happy

by mugenfoo Thu Feb 17, 2011 6:07 am

wingman wrote:Mugen...

You have heard the P2 right up the alley to P5.. whats your take on the sonics and build quality ?

cheers

Ryder's rating is "Meh".

My rating is "PoS".

All IMO, of course....

lol!

by ryder Thu Feb 17, 2011 6:12 am

Well, as most have already known, Mugenfoo's level is very high. Most Rega units won't compare. Very outspoken opinion on the ratings there.

Bro, I think POS is a little bit strong there, but guess it's inevitable. :-)

by wingman Thu Feb 17, 2011 6:13 am

Mugen

Not to familiar with all the JArgon....MEH / POS... Rolling Eyes

I just got a Planar 3 with cartridge in mint condition, sturdy and heavy compared to my P2...haven't hooked it up to my system.

cheers Very Happy

by mugenfoo Thu Feb 17, 2011 6:14 am

ryder wrote:Well, as most have already known, Mugenfoo's level is very high. Most Rega units won't compare. Very outspoken opinion on the ratings there.

Bro, I think POS is a little bit strong there, but guess it's inevitable. :-)

Hang on ... i think i got that "POS" description idea from you !

jocolor

by **bassraptor** Thu Feb 17, 2011 6:36 am

Wingman - It's Amari, not Amori, ha ha ... actually, they market worldwide under the Hanss Acoustics brand, Amari is used only for China, it seems.

by wingman Thu Feb 17, 2011 6:43 am

Bass...

Thanks for the correction. Very Happy

Was tempted but..... the rest is history.... Smile

.

cheers

by **bassraptor** Thu Feb 17, 2011 6:51 am

I got one. And figured out some stuff they don't mention in the chinese manual! not that I can read chinese ...

by wingman Thu Feb 17, 2011 7:26 am

Bass...

Looking at the build quality, the platter, the hidden items and footers the sonics would be good with the right setup and phono stage.

How is the Amari TT performing after many weeks of burning in ?

It should't be so difficult for you to get one of your chinese colleagues to translate the manual...

cheers Very Happy

by cmboy Thu Feb 17, 2011 11:19 am

ryder wrote:
Bro, I think POS is a little bit strong there, but guess it's inevitable. :-)

Its certainly not inevitable. Rega is still a good, minimalistic and quite trouble free TT for most intent and purpose. I may have said it before, if anyone thinks its lacking anywhere, there's other TT's in the market to look out for where only the price is to one's limit. I still think even the Planar/P2 or entry level can still beat the hell out of many plasticky entry level Japanese TT's produced in its heyday.

by ryder Thu Feb 17, 2011 2:33 pm

cmboy wrote:
Its certainly not inevitable. Rega is still a good, minimalistic and quite trouble free TT for most intent and purpose. I may have said it before, if anyone thinks its lacking anywhere, there's other TT's in the market to look out for where only the price is to one's limit. I still think even the Planar/P2 or entry level can still beat the hell out of many plasticky entry level Japanese TT's produced in its heyday.

Yes, I am aware of that. What I meant was the comments were inevitable coming from someone like Mugenfoo, when the benchmark is nothing less than the better Clearaudio models. Without going into sound quality, the disparity in build quality is already evident. Nonetheless, at down-to-earth prices there is nothing much to complain about the Rega units.

by mugenfoo Thu Feb 17, 2011 7:20 pm

whats a "better Clearaudio models"?
Disclaimer:
Never owned any of them. Dunno how they would sound like anyways.

by cmboy Sat Feb 19, 2011 7:09 am

All I see in Clearaudio are very cool lookin German engineered TT's thats come to our shores now, just like looking at fine examples of Bimmers.

by wingman Mon Feb 21, 2011 4:27 am

Hi All...

My newly acquired Planar 3 has taken over my P2's role as my primary TT. ( P2 is playing a backup role ) Physically both of it are of different build quality even compared to some of the newer models at present. Cost cutting measures, you never know ?

A motor upgrade would justify its longer life expectancy but the present motor is super smooth, no humping except for its wobble. Hanging of a rubber band but an acrylic double sided tape may come in handy for some DIY mods. A temprorary fix until my new motor upgrade arrives.

Sonic wise there is so much difference between a compressed wood and glass platter. The glass platter is slightly airy and clearer. Where else the compressed wood is just that..., prefer the glass in comparison.

So a week back went out and got an acrylic platter and an isolation platform from Michael Lim. For starters, I replaced the acrylic platter and boy it sure did clear the sharpness out ( rounded off the thorny part ), clarity and airy. Music that I did a comparison between the two platters - Bee Gees - Tragedy, Commodores - Night shift, Biddu - Nirvana, Bob Marley - Buffalo Soldier and Sarah Maclachlan - Vox.

Thats the sonic enhancement derived by using the acrylic platter and now to the quality of the product well machined, much thought has been put into the product development.

Now the next add on is the isolation platform, fixing the spikes and leveling them to near perfect horizontal position before placing the TT on top. The same cycle of test and comparison was repeated. What i derived was a shocker ( for a greenhorn like me) the music is much more airy, as though there's nothing holding on the songs to "JIVE". Even my best half is in concurrence with my findings.

There are similar products out in the WEB, sold by prominent companies and being sold at a premium price. Something not affordable by many average income "Joe's".

But my justification to try something local was its price factor, quality of the product, the thought thats gone into making the product and the most important factor to me that is the approachable and ever friendly seller.

I would rate these productsin a similar category to the very very acclaimed locally designed and made Phono stages. These locally made and designed products are able to challenge for the throne in a competition against many of the products from over the sea and win it hands down.

I have placed an order for a Sub-platter and a metal pulley and i am confident it would give me good returns.

My views from the add on's.

And last but not the least a big "thank you" to the seller for making a quality local product and making it very affordable.

cheers Very Happy

by adrian4454 Mon Feb 21, 2011 5:00 am

Wah, Wingman, Thanks for sharing. The Mike Lim upgrade; you do it on your P2 or Planar 3?

Do report on the subplatter and Metal pulley upgrade when you have it. I need more poison to take the plunge.

Have you try the Counterweight and End Stub from him? This one should remain high in the priority list of upgrade ~~

by wingman Mon Feb 21, 2011 9:28 am

Hi Adrian...

Tried on both Turntable's. Personally, I prefer the upgrades on my Planar 3, mainly for its weight.

Did not try the counterweight as the RB300 arms comes with the metal counterweight. So thats not a priority....focus is on the other parts.

Also, have replaced the rubber feet to spikes from ATS. So all are contributing to the bigger picture...which I do believe strongly.

cheers Very Happy

by adrian4454 Mon Feb 21, 2011 12:32 pm

Hi Wing,
Not because of the metal counterweight... even my is a metal counterweight... The secret is on the lower gravity because of the low profile metal shape.

Also the end stub is metal, compare to the plastic one of RB100, and I think RB250 also. I am not sure RB300 arm is of the same plastic end stub version.

Anyway, believe me; this will give the greatest impact ever. Furthermore, it is even cheaper than any tweak being offered by Mike Lim...

by sflam Mon Feb 21, 2011 12:41 pm

adrian4454,
the rb300 has a steel stub.

wingman,
mike lim's end-stub and underslung counterweight makes the most difference of all the upgrades offered by him. try it and your stock rega end stub and round steel counterweight will end up in the store room.

by wingman Mon Feb 21, 2011 1:01 pm

Adrian...

The RB300 is with a metal stub and counterweight. The ML counterweight would be my last add on.

Another feature of the ML counterweight, the grooves are meant to minimize resonance. That could be another reason to the sonic improvement.

In a layman terms, speed bumps on a road to reduce speed... Mad

... before the speed picks up another road bump. End result resonance/speed is minimized.

As i said before, the thought study

thats put into making the product.

All in all, adding the necessary upgrades takes it to a different level of sonic quality.

Enjoying my LP's more now. cheers

cheers

by 7810sam Tue Feb 22, 2011 5:38 pm

What's your opinion rega p3-24 vs project debut III?

by wingman Wed Feb 23, 2011 3:31 am

Sam...

To me both are similar in design but may vary in some areas like the tone arm, the plinth thickness, platter or motor mounts. These difference may give you two sonic signatures. They come in standard and coloured plinths. Price varies as well.

There should be other forummers here who have owned or owning either one of these products and be able to contribute to your question.

It's an individual preference and you should make that choice after the listening session of these two makes.

Happy Hunting... Smile

cheers

by mugenfoo Wed Feb 23, 2011 4:18 am

7810sam wrote:What's your opinion rega p3-24 vs project debut III?

The Debut III seems to have a better platter (steel platter), and a superior tonearm compared to the RB301.

by cmboy Wed Feb 23, 2011 6:45 am

Only way to know is a direct A-B comparison lah. Otherwise its all from personal memory or opinion.

by 7810sam Wed Feb 23, 2011 7:23 pm

I guess both hv their pro n con. will chk it out.
thanks guys.

by mugenfoo Fri Feb 25, 2011 6:49 pm

There's a P5 for sale going for under RM3K for forummer @hasnul.

@7810sam, you might wanna check it out (before its gone). Rega P5 have a real solid built quality to it compared to the simplistic P3 and below models.

by cmboy Sat Feb 26, 2011 6:32 pm

There's another P3 for sale, I suppose these folks are looking to other better rigs. I'm assuming some are at the point of giving up Rega for something else.

by **bassraptor** Sat Feb 26, 2011 7:02 pm

I think after modding the P3s to the max, they realised there was nowhere else to go but another deck ...!!

by cmboy Sat Feb 26, 2011 7:52 pm

I'd keep mine and play 45's with it. Its just too fiddly playing 45's on a spring suspension deck.

by 7810sam Mon Feb 28, 2011 4:55 pm

mugenfoo wrote:There's a P5 for sale going for under RM3K for forummer @hasnul.

@7810sam, you might wanna check it out (before its gone). Rega P5 have a real solid built quality to it compared to the simplistic P3 and below models.

Not too sure whether I can handle it and don't talk about setting up.
That also have to wait my boss to give pay rise. already 3 yrs working, no pay rise and bonus.
Beh tahan when I read today Star headline.

by cmboy Mon Feb 28, 2011 5:39 pm

Oh well, just buy what you can afford and hopefully an excellent deal comes your way. Trouble is, good stuff happen to pass by once a while and may regret if you don't buy now. The era of cheap TT's and LP's are way over(especially when people threw them out of the window and the rubbishman sneered at the heap of outdated crap)
Whats there so complicated to set up? You've got mugenfoo as your walking wikipaedia? or pay him/bodek/belanja him to setup for you in a jiffy lor! I just don't see the problem.

by mugenfoo Mon Feb 28, 2011 5:53 pm

cmboy wrote:
Whats there so complicated to set up? You've got
mugenfoo as your walking wikipaedia? or pay him/bodek/belanja him to
setup for you in a jiffy lor! I just don't see the problem.

i'm retired from hifi and am now into collecting bottlecaps.

Good night.

by 7810sam Mon Feb 28, 2011 5:58 pm

Yes, tempting but not willing to spent so much for now. Tahan dulu, even though might regret later. Was think abt project D3 but my celaka new boss from france want thing to run like in france but pay the asian like peanuts. Keep on chasing us for data.

by 7810sam Mon Feb 28, 2011 6:04 pm

mugenfoo, don't be like that la, how can my TT sifu retire so fast, without you, forum here will be boring moreover collecting bottlecaps for what better keep us entertaining in this forum.

by cmboy Mon Feb 28, 2011 6:20 pm

Errr..then look to sflam, bassraptor????...they're all very knowledgeble, very TT enthusiastic, very experienced too, if I can safely assume...especially sflam... most knowledgeable...been there, done that, still doing it...even as we're talking here.. huhuhuhu!

by sflam Mon Feb 28, 2011 8:53 pm

bassraptor has used more TTs than i hv...

i hv never been able to get out of the rega 'trap'...

by mugenfoo Tue Mar 01, 2011 8:00 am

i am looking for this really rare vintage bottlecap from a vintage 1980s "RC Cola" glass bottle. Anyone might have stumbled across it lately ?

Smile

by cmboy Tue Mar 01, 2011 10:08 am

Hey sflam,
Was surfin Ebay and I saw a very very nice black acrylic platter purposely manufactured for the Rega P3. They have acrylic platters for other makes also. It cost some 136Euro exc shipping. I think its their latest product. I happen to be using their product and no turning back. I've never quite agreed to any Rega using a glass platter nor agreeable with its sonic quality. (solely my preference here). Meanwhile, your mod of damping the bearing gave me ideas and to add more mass to it may improve it to another level. I've already dampened it in another manner long ago and I'm not sure if it improved anything. I was thinking of machine out a cylindrical threaded bush with a much larger diameter and mass so as to substantially add mass to the bearing assembly. Something like what Michael did for the motor pod. I sometimes think too much damping of structural resonance for the Rega isn't all good. It can make it loose out on musicality. It'll make it play everything just too cleanly and darker. What do you think?

by sflam Tue Mar 01, 2011 2:49 pm

cmboy wrote:
I was thinking of machine out a cylindrical threaded bush with a much larger diameter and mass so as to substantially add mass to the bearing assembly.

u may be able to get a steel nut to fit the bearing housing. it shld work as a vibration sink.

as for the glass platter, i think i hv managed to tame the ringing and 'splashiness' with lead-vinyl mats.

by cmboy Tue Mar 01, 2011 3:01 pm

If I'm not mistaken, the Rega nut is a custom nut, not to be found at any specialist fastener shop. Custom internal diameter and metric thread pitch. I've never found any common locknut for the Rega tonearm column either, its custom made again.

by mugenfoo Tue Mar 01, 2011 6:41 pm

Maybe using a perforated bottlecap as a replacement nut could yield some yet undiscovered sonic benefits !

by cmboy Tue Mar 01, 2011 7:03 pm

Yup, I could paint a Nazi swastika on a bottle cap, wear it as a button and create some fury, if any. Or could I put it on the collar of one of my black and white cats who happen to have a moustache right at the mouth and looks very much like Adolf. BTW, the cat's name is Hitler.
Back to the topic, perhaps sflam could use bottlecaps (fill n set them before with hard epoxy to weight them) to put around the circumference of the glass platter for another sonic tweak, no?

by sflam Wed Mar 02, 2011 6:41 am

the music will probably end up sounding bubbly...like rc cola..

by wingman Fri Mar 04, 2011 4:46 am

There goes another Rega TT....... Shocked

suppose the "amari" TT is doing justice.....

cheers Very Happy

by cmboy Fri Mar 04, 2011 7:42 am

There's always better makes out there than Rega. Not surprising to see even LP12 is chucked out and someone else nosing around to see whats better than that.

by **bassraptor** Fri Mar 04, 2011 8:24 am

wingman wrote:There goes another Rega TT....... suppose the "amari" TT is doing justice.....

cheers

Actually, my main turntable the past few months has been the VPI Classic. The Amari is to experiment with, using cheap cartridges ... Smile

As for the P7/Apheta, it was some deal that landed it with me ... would have kept it if I'm not lusting after a Volkswagen Golf ...

by cmboy Fri Mar 04, 2011 8:33 am

Ah!...da man have explained himself.
I'll keep both the Rega and LP12 indefinitely. It'll play all my Amcorp mall sourced Rm5 and 10 records very nicely.
Now off to find a bundle of vintage bottlecaps and stick them underneath the sub chassis...see if it can improve the sonics... Smile

by wingman Fri Mar 04, 2011 9:16 am

bassraptor wrote:
wingman wrote:There goes another Rega TT....... suppose the "amari" TT is doing justice.....

cheers

Actually, my main turntable the past few months has been the VPI Classic. The Amari is to experiment with, using cheap cartridges ...

As for the P7/Apheta, it was some deal that landed it with me ... would have kept it if I'm not lusting after a Volkswagen Golf ...

Hi Bass...

Hmmmmm... GOlf GTI i suppose.....simple and catchy.... design and has grunt....

all the best in your hunt.....

cheers Very Happy

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