rgiskad
Member
Update/down the rabbit hole: after attempting to perform some maintenance on the bearing, I realized the prior owner must have done something wonky as the ball bearing will not come out. I've soaked it with isopropyl alcohol, and the thing is stuck. I never thought before to do any maintenance on it, so it could also be on me, but if it was just oil down in there, it would seem the alcohol would loosen it up. It does feel larger than the 3/16 one I got to put in there when it wouldn't come out and wasn't even sure there was one down there. After poking a little with a tiny eyeglass screwdriver, realized there is one down there. But alas... Rega/US didn't have any other suggestions, so I decided to just upgrade the bearing sleeve, and got some advice from them on how to proceed.
I have the VHL TNG-Spinner bearing sleeve and ZIRCONIA ceramic ball on the way now.
And while at it, figured I'd just upgrade the belt as well, so the Reference EBLT belt is also on the way.
Once all this is in place, will leave well enough alone. Think the wife might have a conniption if another turntable related package arrives at the door!
Will update on performance/measurements later.
I have the VHL TNG-Spinner bearing sleeve and ZIRCONIA ceramic ball on the way now.
And while at it, figured I'd just upgrade the belt as well, so the Reference EBLT belt is also on the way.
Once all this is in place, will leave well enough alone. Think the wife might have a conniption if another turntable related package arrives at the door!
Will update on performance/measurements later.
rgiskad
Member
Update:
Well I now the VHL sleeve and the Rega Reference belt installed.
The readings are more acceptable now, to me at least.
RPM 33.22 -.36%
WOW .12%
Haven't even spun a record yet on it as I'm setting up the new Darlington Labs MM6B that just arrived today as well.
So, I'm much happier about where the Planar 2 is at now, and ready to I think call it a day on the upgrades.
btw, Gus at TNG Spinner is very helpful in case anyone curious stumbles upon this thread thinking of such upgrades.
Final thoughts after spinning a few albums: after all the upgrades, the music just sounds more put together and clean. I'm satisfied and think all the components have been worthhile. Now the MM6B just needs to finish burn in (19hrs at this point), as well as the speakers. But it sounds very good now, and looking forward to continuing the journey!
Well I now the VHL sleeve and the Rega Reference belt installed.
The readings are more acceptable now, to me at least.
RPM 33.22 -.36%
WOW .12%
Haven't even spun a record yet on it as I'm setting up the new Darlington Labs MM6B that just arrived today as well.
So, I'm much happier about where the Planar 2 is at now, and ready to I think call it a day on the upgrades.
btw, Gus at TNG Spinner is very helpful in case anyone curious stumbles upon this thread thinking of such upgrades.
Final thoughts after spinning a few albums: after all the upgrades, the music just sounds more put together and clean. I'm satisfied and think all the components have been worthhile. Now the MM6B just needs to finish burn in (19hrs at this point), as well as the speakers. But it sounds very good now, and looking forward to continuing the journey!
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charles 1973
Super Member
While my 2023 Planar 2 is not vintage, It none the less didn't sound like the $1,000 CAD I paid for it with it's stock Carbon cartridge. Which I kind of expected. So I had their $500 Nd3 mounted, at 1/2 the price of the table seemed high, but I gave it a try. I also added Rega's Fono Mk5 MM Pre-amp.
After about 10 hours I must say, It's a big improvement over the stock Carbon. Now it sounds as good as the price would suggest.
Another option I considered was a Goldring E3.
For those who already have a planer 2, especially the later ones after 2016, I would recommend the Nd3 if you're budget allows.
I thought it was overpriced at first, but after hearing it through my Bryston amp and Reference 3A speakers I'm quite pleased. It seems a lot of good Cartridges are in this price range.
Hopefully you're getting great results too. The new Planar 2 with its stock Nd3 Cartridge is almost on par with the older generation (before 2016) P3's.
After about 10 hours I must say, It's a big improvement over the stock Carbon. Now it sounds as good as the price would suggest.
Another option I considered was a Goldring E3.
For those who already have a planer 2, especially the later ones after 2016, I would recommend the Nd3 if you're budget allows.
I thought it was overpriced at first, but after hearing it through my Bryston amp and Reference 3A speakers I'm quite pleased. It seems a lot of good Cartridges are in this price range.
Hopefully you're getting great results too. The new Planar 2 with its stock Nd3 Cartridge is almost on par with the older generation (before 2016) P3's.
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