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Question about belt upgrade

Wiltr0n

Wiltr0n

New Member
Hi Everyone,

I've been reading a bit recently about upgrades available for my Rega RP1 TT. The upgrade kit available for purchase from Rega includes a nicer cartridge, a mat, and an upgraded belt. I can definitely see how the cartridge & mat would affect sound quality, but am curious about the influence the belt would have.

I'm wondering 1) if those who have installed the Rega upgraded belt notice that it makes a big difference by itself, and 2) if there are any explanations from the field about why a nicer belt would make a difference.

Sorry if this is a noob question, I'm just curious and interested in learning. Thanks!
 
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Wiltr0n said:
Hi Everyone,

I've been reading a bit recently about upgrades available for my Rega RP1 TT. The upgrade kit available for purchase from Rega includes a nicer cartridge, a mat, and an upgraded belt. I can definitely see how the cartridge & mat would affect sound quality, but am curious about the influence the belt would have.

I'm wondering 1) if those who have installed the Rega upgraded belt notice a big difference from it alone, and 2) if there are any explanations from the field about why a nicer belt would make a difference.

Sorry if this is a noob question, I'm just curious and interested in learning. Thanks!
Click to expand...

Hey Wiltr0n,
A belt has one and only one purpose, and that is to assist in making the platter spin at the correct speed. As for a sonic difference, it will not make any impact, unless it is not the correct belt.
 
I think the consensus about the white belt improving sound is very pervasive amongst Rega users. Save your money on the performance pack and as time goes along get the white belt, a glass platter with a cork mat, and a better cartridge such as Nagaoka MP110, Shure 97xe, .....
 
Wiltr0n said:
I'm wondering 1) if those who have installed the Rega upgraded belt notice that it makes a big difference by itself
Click to expand...

I installed the white belt on my P3 when I had it. Definitely not a big difference. I didn't listen, swap, listen so I don't know for sure, but I doubt I would have heard any difference at all.
 
Most people who don't have a Rega with either belt can't hear the difference the white belt makes. :arrow: I put one on a P5 and I could hear a bit of extra authority in the way the bass sounded. It is admittedly subtle, but most audio tweaks are.
 
Thanks for weighing in everyone. Your thoughts reinforce my suspicions. It sounds like there are better places to invest my $$ when I'm ready. For now, I think I'll just enjoy some music :)
 
I'm sure the RP3 is the ticket. But let me put in a vote for the White Belt. It made a noticeable difference to my RP1 for a very reasonable cost. The sound is richer. I don't get it - but it's there. The sound out of the TT went from ok to bright and deep. Yes, an upgrade unit as the RP3 would be better, or get an upgrade cart, subplatter, 24v motor, platter, mat - but it all costs. The White Belt is a great first upgrade for a modest investment.
 
Call this the cynic in me, but the "performance pack" with upgraded belt, mat and cart seems like a "money grab" formulated by the bean counters at corporate. I don't know or claim to know if this "package" is a dramatic improvement. I realize that each one of those components can/will impact performance, but I'd rather shop around and pick out each "upgrade" individually.

If you want plug and play, it's probably a reasonable option, but you might be able to do better for less $, since obviously the bean counters have factored in their profit margin in the package.
 
Wanna 'experiment'?
DIY a belt from Unwaxed Dental floss. Yup just tie a knot in it.
Many claim this is an Upgrade on most tables.
Not sure I subscribe to that claim.
But without question it's 'at Least" as good as ANY belt.
 
Consistency of belt thickness is very important. The higher-quality belts do produce better sound.
 
Sure! Profit! That's why they put in a robust upgrade path. But the thing I liked about the white belt is that it made an appreciable difference at a modest cost. Just a fair sight better belt. Floss? My knot tying is not good enough. I did the before and after test with the white belt using a well known LP. Noticeable improvement.
 
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