I got this turntable a couple of years ago when I had a strong interest in 78s. Eventually, the novelty wore off and that interest faded. (Duh. 78s don't sound very good, even on a really expensive player.) I've tried in vain to sell this thing and not loose too much money. (For a good laugh, check out this thread: http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=463541). Alas, it is here still, or rather, again.
Frankly, this is pretty over-priced and under-featured for a dedicated 78 turntable. However, it is almost a P2 - not a bad machine in its on right. This one is immaculate, has a 12" platter, the famous RB250 tonearm, and is already wired for stereo to the cartridge. The motor assembly underneath says "planar 25" with a little "78" sticker over the "25" part. I doubt it's a different motor assembly - probably just a different sticker. I think the only difference is the motor pulley and/or the subplatter.
Another user in the thread above suggested I just get a different pulley and make it an LP player. Well, not so easy. I called a reputable on-line retailer a few months ago and inquired about it. I was basically told, it ain't so easy. "The platter is 10" and will need a 12" platter, the tonearm is mono and will need to be rewired, and there are others issues with the motor, pulley, and subplatter" blah blah and so forth. They obviously didn't really know the details and apparently didn't want to be bothered. I had earlier (maybe a year ago) contacted a local Rega dealer (from whom this was originally purchased) and received a frustratingly similar answer.
Well, I dug around a bit and found that there are several after-market Rega subplatter assembly manufacturers as well as pulleys, motors, and belts. Most of this stuff is overseas (Europe), but it's a start. Given the apparent interchangeability of these parts, it stands to reason that OEM parts might be around. I have submitted a detailed message to another Michigan dealer, this time with some research details and photos, in the hopes of a positive response.
Pics to follow ... PhotoBouquet is doing maintenance at the moment.
Frankly, this is pretty over-priced and under-featured for a dedicated 78 turntable. However, it is almost a P2 - not a bad machine in its on right. This one is immaculate, has a 12" platter, the famous RB250 tonearm, and is already wired for stereo to the cartridge. The motor assembly underneath says "planar 25" with a little "78" sticker over the "25" part. I doubt it's a different motor assembly - probably just a different sticker. I think the only difference is the motor pulley and/or the subplatter.
Another user in the thread above suggested I just get a different pulley and make it an LP player. Well, not so easy. I called a reputable on-line retailer a few months ago and inquired about it. I was basically told, it ain't so easy. "The platter is 10" and will need a 12" platter, the tonearm is mono and will need to be rewired, and there are others issues with the motor, pulley, and subplatter" blah blah and so forth. They obviously didn't really know the details and apparently didn't want to be bothered. I had earlier (maybe a year ago) contacted a local Rega dealer (from whom this was originally purchased) and received a frustratingly similar answer.
Well, I dug around a bit and found that there are several after-market Rega subplatter assembly manufacturers as well as pulleys, motors, and belts. Most of this stuff is overseas (Europe), but it's a start. Given the apparent interchangeability of these parts, it stands to reason that OEM parts might be around. I have submitted a detailed message to another Michigan dealer, this time with some research details and photos, in the hopes of a positive response.
Pics to follow ... PhotoBouquet is doing maintenance at the moment.
However, it didn't occur to me until just now that he might have old OEM part kicking around.
