Rega P2 Upgrades

MikeT.

My Name is Flounder
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Several Rega P2 discussions on the inter webs have caught my interest. Now I’ve owned two Rega Planar 3 tables, a long story, and in both cases I found the sound rather “dry”. It’s the only description that comes to mind, even with a variety of carts. I attribute the dry sound to the double brace technology Rega touts. Maybe, maybe not. There may be a significant chance of user error, maybe, maybe not. ;)

The P2, however, sounds dynamic and with much better bass response IMO, even with several carts I’ve tried. I’ve finally settled on the Sumiko Moonstone. The RB220 tonearm is the recent upgrade by Rega with the user-adjustable anti-skate. I am listening to a lot more records and am pretty happy overall but the audiophile bug has returned and has me looking at several upgrade options for my P2.

My P2 has the new 24V motor but no provision for the external PSU other than the upgrade kit at $250 which provides what looks like a DIN connector in lieu of the barrel connector. Same motor, according to the manual. So if I like the P2 (P3 sans brace, ok and a step up tonearm), would it be so much the better with a better sub-platter?
Upgrades:

-I’ve ordered a Tango Spinner Astor aluminum sub-platter and Zirconium Oxide bearing. Great reviews and I couldn’t justify the Groovetracer price as a trial.
-Maybe a tonearm upgrade to the RB330?
-Maybe the PSU at a later date but hate to replace a perfectly good motor.

Many reviews glow about a sub-platter and bearing upgrade. I hope its a meaningful upgrade. Can’t hurt. Dang upgrade-itis. More later.
 
Everything arrived perfectly and the install went very well. Magnetic screwdriver took the old stainless steel bearing out easily. Instructions say to clean out the bearing well. One of the strange things was the bearing well “seemed” to be bone DRY and I purchased this new about a year ago. Of course, the oil may not be visible in a quantity noticeable on a Qtip with the original Rega spindle. Tangospinner says their Astor shaft is microns smaller than the Rega shaft, hence the slight amount of oil on the shaft.

Dropped in the new bearing and one single drop of oil into the well and a couple of drops on the sub platter shaft. The spindle went ever so slowly into the well. Then slipped on the red silicone belt, platter and mat back on and put on The Manhattan Transfer.

Everything is great. First thing I noticed was an improvement in micro-dynamics and detail, that was on jazz. Speed appears to better as well. Classical is next this evening. I had strongly been considering possibility of a new 24V motor and it’s interface along with the Neo PSU. I don’t think it will be needed. Kudos to Rega for building a very fine turntable at well under $1000. The Tangospinner Astor is a very worthwhile upgrade. More after I give some classical a listen.
 
I was just coming on to recommend the Groovetracer. I had a few of them, and they were fantastic.

That and the belt were to me the best mods. Plus the Neo after that.
 
Very nice Erik! Here’s a couple of shots of the installed Tangospinner.

View attachment 51007View attachment 51008
Hey, I'm spoiled. I started with the Groovetracer, so in my minds eye, that is how Rega subplatter should look and be made. Reasonably, I can't suggest any reason why what you have wouldn't work as well. Or at least, not be audibly different then the Groovetracer. And it looks nicely made and is a huge step up over what Rega gives. But, as I said, I'm biased!
 
Hey, I'm spoiled. I started with the Groovetracer, so in my minds eye, that is how Rega subplatter should look and be made. Reasonably, I can't suggest any reason why what you have wouldn't work as well. Or at least, not be audibly different then the Groovetracer. And it looks nicely made and is a huge step up over what Rega gives. But, as I said, I'm biased!
I’m biased as well and also incredibly susceptible to peer pressure ;) I’m still researching my chances for an Planar 6.
And by researching I mean, will my wife support the purchase. :roflmao:
 
I’m biased as well and also incredibly susceptible to peer pressure ;) I’m still researching my chances for an Planar 6.
And by researching I mean, will my wife support the purchase. :roflmao:
I see, so a detailed research process, ensuring that only the most rigorous purchasing and procurement regulations are adhered to.
 
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