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June 18, 2008 - 3:26pm
#1
Restore a Rega Planar 2 from 1978?
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The Rega tables have changed little in the last thirty years. Your table isn't what Rega is selling today but certainly is good enough to restore and use rather than spend money on a new table that isn't as good as what you already own. Buy a new cartridge as they have been improved considerably since your last purchase. Get a new belt and clean out the grease from the main bearing. Rega sells new lubricant for the bearing and any Rega dealer can supply this. Then you should consider changing out the "S" shaped tonearm for the current Rega arm or one of the modified aftermarket arms based on the Rega design.
I agree with Jan.
After this long an interval, certain cartridge parts have likely aged and the unit will not play up to spec.
Even if you bought a new table, you'd still need a new cartridge. So, you can't lose by buying a new cartridge and seeing how you like the table!
Jan's thoughts on the motor are spot on, and the new belt is also a given, as he mentioned.
If you listen and fall short of your goal, then you can consider a new table, and you'll already have a new cartridge for it - no net loss other than the price of some grease and a belt!
For added fun, after you get phase one done, we could talk about different mats for the platter, or other stuff you can add to the current table, but first things first.
I asked analog enthusiast Michael Fremer about this, and he said the same: Install a new cartridge and replace the belt, and, if you feel it necessary, you can upgrade the 'table later and take the new cartridge along for the ride.
Supex cartridges of the period were superb. Are they ever worth rebuilding?
That's a potentially great idea!
Check www.sound-smith.com (Sound Smith) and see if they may be able to tune that baby up!
Bobinnv, are in NV, as in Nevada?
I appreciate the comments. Sounds like it is worth upgrading the table to see how it goes.
The table actually has a couple of upgrades.. the tonearm was a higher end Rega arm the dealer had laying about.. and the platter is glass (maybe that was standard? I don't remember) and it has both felt and rubber mats.
Yep, but Carson, not Sin, City..