Checking Out Third Party Upgrades! Tangospinner + Rega Turntables Pt.1

[@briandeeley1599]

Rega has a motor upgrade available for the Rega planar 3 for $150.00. I have the Groovetracer sub platter with a ruby bearing and sapphire thrust plate installed in my 30 year old Rega planar 3. I also have the Groovetracer acrylic platter.

[@luisperez-fs2gz]

I purchased the Tango Spinner six years ago and it totally improved my entry level RP1. Since then I installed a RB330 tonearm and again the RP1 rose another level. Can't wait for your comparison of Tango vs modern P3 battle!

[@alferro3149]

Big fan of Rega. I kept upgrading my rp3 for the past 20 years with rega parts. I also had amps, pre amps, DACs, speakers. Very respectable company, where musicality is definitely their target. For many things now I moved on a higher level, but in their class they are up there. And they are excellent for servicing your gear, no matter where you live. I also had the pleasure to meet Roy Gandy (Mr Rega) at the Bristol HiFi show some years ago, a down to earth passionate and competent guy. I have not been paid by Rega 😂

[@Craft-oh7uv]

Yes Rega or of a very high quality, last for many years !

[@MODAC]

Absolutely! Rega's reputation for quality and longevity is well-deserved. Their gear is built to last, delivering great sound for many years. Have you owned any Rega products?

[@createdezign1840]

The Rega Planar 2 was my dream turntable when I was in my teens (Late 80's) I now have a Planar 3 by the way with all the upgrades and a Nagaoka MP-110 cartridge. The sound is sublime.

[@jacklawer6389]

Can you please explain subline ? Thanks

[@false_binary]

Stock tonearm?

[@createdezign1840]

No I used a RB250 as seems to be thought of as a better arm than the RB300.

[@createdezign1840]

@@jacklawer6389 "sublime" = of very great excellence or beauty.

[@jacklawer6389]

@@createdezign1840 thanks

[@Vic-ng8if]

Great video mate. I've been upgrading my RP 3 since I bought it new a few years ago. Fidelity designs sub platter and resin platter, little belter pulley, Mitchell tonearm weight, and recently the Mitchell VTA adjuster along with the Ortofon 2M Blue. When I fitted the blue to the arm, the tonearm lifter didn't, well, 'lift' the as the cart is quite a lot larger than the original one but the adjustable VTA seems to have done the trick. I also went with the Rega Neo TPU with the Brio amp and the deck is now a different beast, especially with the new cartridge. If anyone is interested btw, my isolation deck is made out of two IKEA chopping boards. Check it out somewhere on here and some fella came up with the idea, and I'll tell ya, for about £30 all in to make it, it is brilliant. Thanks for the video!

[@user-xw2tj1kn1f]

Great video. I'm just getting in to the vinyl and turn-table realm. I've gotten my hands on an old thorens td 160. I haven't gotten it back up to stuff yet but I'm slowly getting there. Thank you for all the effort of making this. I like your style. A lot of hifi youtubers manage to make me feel embarrassed of my modest hifi setup. I don't get that from you. Thank you for this video. Looking forward to the sequel! 🙂👍

[@finbarrsaunders]

Yeah thebonly valid comparison you can do is on your specific turntable before & after the mods. The newer range are vastly different to the older ones in stock form. For instance I think the newer decks all come with the newer 24v PSU which is probably the most important single upgrade you can make to an old Planar 3. This is the joy of Planar ownership though. The performance per cost is remarkable, because the design is so well thought out. You can then upgrade your table step by step to minimise those compromises with uprated parts as you are doing. Essentially what you are doing is modifying your deck to extract the most out of the Rega arm, which is undoubtedly the star of the show. I too own modified Planar 3 like yours and absolutely love it. With a few simple upgrades made over time, it's a lovely sounding deck.

[@jimiverson3085]

Surprised by the responses to your question. Rega products have been well covered in the hi-fi press - they may not advertise but are happy to provide models for test. Rega also has an extensive dealer network - there are no fewer that 4 near me in front range Colorado. BTW, if you are checking out Rega upgrades, don't neglect Groovetracer in California. The owner's day job is owning an aerospace machine shop. That and owning a Rega led him to explore an upgrade for the subplatter, resulting in a precision machined aluminum upgrade with new bearing.

[@musicman8270]

As a matter of fact that white Rega is exactly like mine. Nice table.

[@truman4956]

This is the best installation video and should be the default explanation or tango

[@TD402dd]

I own a highly modified RP1. It is still one of the finest turntables I've ever owned. New wiring, new cables, hand built acrylic platter, Audio Technica AT-150MLX, ruby bearing, metal sub platter, LP Gear drive belt, new clips, and brass record weight. The heart is still pure Rega with a beautiful arm, magnet bias control, and the base is solid.

[@paulroberts2800]

Sounds great but why didn't you just buy the p6 as I did the same and chucked so mutch money away instead of biting the bullet

[@dell177]

I installed an aluminum subplatter on my RP# about 5 years ago and noticed an improvement in the sound. Lat year I bough a used electronic speed control and that really stabilized things.

[@Mrsteve4761]

The Tango Spinner upgrades do look quite substantial and impressive. Looking forward to the upcoming turntable "shoot-out" to determine their worthiness.

[@joaomargarido9121]

You are make me in trouble. I have a P3 exactly like yours and I gonna wait for your next video to decide to get myself in and lot of expenses... Those updates are quite impressive, for now visually. Let's wait for the sound test.

[@jamiebishop9512]

Thumbs up for using the work chuffed. Nice video mate.

[@allenbrixey1122]

I picked up a Rega p2 at best buy Tulsa. It was a floor model, the wool mat was missing, broken stylus and the cover had some small scratches. Got it going for around $70 and couldn't be happier.

[@jackturtle131]

Thanks for showing mate. Great clip. Easy to understand what to do

[@idontsmile666]

This is the reason I picked a rega as my main turntable, their like the gaming pc's of the audio world, you can just upgrade parts instead of getting a whole new turntable. And make it your own to your own needs.

[@shaneritchie9424]

Tango spun my RP6, more than happy.

[@len9518]

The 3 feet support is a great idea, also employed on the latest Fluances. You've gone down the rabbit hole. I'd guess there is improvement, but will you really heat it? Someone recently said, the only one who can hear the difference, is the person who paid for it. Enjoyable video.

[@briandeeley1599]

I have modified my rega planar 3 with groovetracer subplatter and main platter.

[@richleonard55]

Very engaging, down to earth presentation style.

[@ENGLISHISBEST]

I have been following rega since the 80s only 3 years ago did I finally buy their p3 in gloss white after the resurgence in vinyl & getting my old albums back from my loft, you can buy all bits n bobs for upgrading ( to be honest the extra speed changer by button is really overated, how often do we put on a single record ?) I won't mess with mine I am happy as it is. Original.

[@marknicholls4133]

Thanks for the video, very informative indeed. I have just purchased a P3 from an auction in Scotland and got it shipped to Wrexham, North Wales. Needs a bit of TLC though, a few paint splashes on the perspex cover, any ideas how to remove them? It has the S shaped tone arm (R100 i think). I hope to get to work on it next week, will keep you updated. Now following you on Ig

[@jimsregaturntableshifijukebox]

Nice purchase. Your S shaped tonearm is an R200. Hope to read how your turntable journey is going. Happy listening and best wishes from Scotland. Jim🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🙂

[@VinylRescue]

Interesting as I have the Planar 2. I've done several mods including replacing the cheap audio cable with RCA jacks on the back, and an aluminum sub-platter with an upgraded belt. Yesterday I just completed the replacement of the original tonearm wiring with Cardas Litz wiring since I wanted to get rid of the spliced wiring I did a few years ago to the RCA jacks. I have to say it was a challenge, but it turned out pretty well! I enjoy modding so now I'm on to part 2!

[@davidspendlove5900]

Have you replaced the plastic end stub on the rb250 , if not do it !

[@VinylRescue]

@@davidspendlove5900 if you're referring to the headshell end that the wiring goes through, no. I was able to get the wiring to go through. Wasn't easy, but it worked. If you're referring to the counterweight end then no. I have the RB220 tonearm.

[@danashay]

Wow. Having eagerly awaited this episode, you definitely did NOT disappoint. BRAVO! Always been intrigued by Rega 'tables, but for now, still drawn to high mass designs, because I listen loud (yes, I actually have a hearing problem). You surprised with your upgrades, and every single one seems like a home run. From my perspective, you created a lust worthy vintage Rega. I am on pins-and-needles in anticipation of your next installment! Can't wait! Maybe, by golly, you have shown me the error of my ways. Please carry on! Can't wait! 😋😎

[@Eustace.h.plimsoll6625]

I’m about to get my 1985 Rega Planar 3 and start using it again - it might need a service but there is no way it needs any improvements.

[@bferguson001]

this is great...I did some LP12 upgrades....if you haven't heard of a guy that goes by hifiaf, he has a site where he goes through a lot of vendors upgrades in his system...he has a website by the same name and his journey is under projects...very entertaining

[@cdunphy457]

I haven't had one of your videos come up in quite awhile I thought you had left us I am glad to see you make a video and tell us more to come. I really liked the video I have always been found of your videos so I did miss you. Thank you the video was very informative and enjoyable, I will be looking forward to more videos[

[@MODAC]

Hmmm. I didn’t stop. Use the alert feature so you get a message when a new one is out. Thanks

[@jammanist]

An aluminum subplatter with a double pulley is a great upgrade. Really improves the sound. Almost went with the Tangospinner, its made with 6061-T6 aluminum, but I ended up choosing the Fidelity Desings LTD sub platter because its made out of 6082 alloy strength aluminum. And I have the Micheal Lim double pulley system. Also added an underslung counterweight to the Rega planer 3. So glad I went with owning this turntable, been totally awesome to say the least !!

[@hoobsgroove]

why do you think it's a better upgrade? two belts yes I can see the logic but aluminium sub platter no. as long as the engineering plastic is machined.

[@jammanist]

@@hoobsgroove think an aluminum sub platter makes a difference for me, but I m also the guy that thinks Audio Magic ultimate premier fuses make my system sounds better. Crazy huh?

[@hoobsgroove]

@@jammanist is it just the sub aluminium platter you've changed? or have you change the belt or anything else? even oiling between changes could have a bearing

[@jammanist]

@@hoobsgroove for my Rega 3, added the following ...... Sub aluminum platter, double pulley, J A Mitchell underslung counterweight, Micheal Lim aluminum feet, and had the tonearm rewired with OCC copper wire to 5 pin plug so I can have the tonearm of my choice, which is the 1877 phono zavfino Majestics, added a Butchers Block under the turntable. Replaced the Rega's power cable that had a wall wart, and replaced it with an independent power box so I can have the hifi power cable of my choosing, then it's run to Furutech solid brass outlets. And yes, added a few drops of oil when did the upgrade. Only thing I didn't like was the Micheal Lim Stainless Steel Bottom Bracing, thought it added to much bottom end for my taste. Can see the setup on my KZbin channel

[@hoobsgroove]

@@jammanist will check it out! one thing people don't do is put a switch mode power supply for the motor control unit and not use a linear transformer type. that's a bad idea. find a good quality medical grade smps like sinpro, between 0 and 400 Hz. at the switching frequency of if on 60hz 120kHz or 240kHz, if 50Hz 100Khz- 200kHz and higher of multiples. ideally bypassing the bridge rectifier because it just causes noise generally but can be left in place. you're going to get much better stability on the motor.

[@jumpsuite]

Try some mission speakers they are great sounding....

[@mikeg.s.6039]

Excellent video! have been contemplating the Tangospinner for my Rega P3. Looking forward to your comparison of the vintage Regar 3 and the current P3.

[@Joseph78574]

Tango spinner are great products with much value

[@samgates2059]

I made the same changes to my Plannar 3 from 1985 except I still use the origu\inal motor pully. I am interested in your comparisons.

[@willanderson6963]

Does this Rega have the 24 volt motor upgrade? If not, that would be the first update to do. Makes the single largest difference.

[@fedrichorlandineumann3062]

Veramente un bel video,anch'io ho fatto tutti i miglioramenti di Tango Spinner e devo dire che sono di ottima qualità e fanno la differenza ,mi hanno fatto delle modifiche e sono di una gentilezza estrema .ci vorrebbero mille canali come questo e mille ditte serie come Tango Spinner.

[@jmsbriann]

Great Video David! I’ve contemplating doing the same for my RP3 also, I wanted to see how it went for you. I just finished watching this video and I received a text message and phone call from Audio Advisor’s that the aluminum sub platter kit for my Pro Ject Debut Carbon Evo had finally came in. ( major back order! I order it several months ago) keep up the good work!

[@luisdiego22002]

If you were too add just one upgrade for Rega Planar 3, which would you choose?

[@briandeeley1599]

Rega planar 3 is one of the most popular tables in the world.

[@mikedavies1489]

Why these upgrades and not the REGA supplied 24v motor upgrade. Even without the Neo PSU it made a big difference to my old Rega Planar 3.

[@armanddimeo6575]

The Neo PSU power supply (made by Rega) is also a huge upgrade for the Planar 3.

[@telerate88]

Nice demonstration! Would it be possible to replace the original RCA cables?

[@gdwlaw5549]

A fine review!

[@zukispur5493]

I have a 1984 rega p 3 that I'm gonna spend a few quid on this year. She's worth it. She's not my main turner as I use a Garrard 401 (SME arm) which I absolutely love. I use it with the brilliant sansui AU 717 Driving 4 leak Sandwich 600 speakers. Niiiiice heavy warm round clean sound. I won't be changing the arm though. Not worth it. I'll change the cartridge/stylus though. The difference between the rb200 s arm and the rb330 or whatever ain't £300 Quid's worth.

[@felfer39]

Donde compró los pies de aluminio?

[@jedi-mic]

Does it give you the wow and Flutter figures for the platter and pulley ?

[@cobar5342]

Thank you for a helpful video

[@sopasadena1499]

Great vid. Thanks. My original planar 3 runs at 34 rpm way too fast. Did the tango upgrades improve the speed accuracy on your deck? I replaced the motor capacitor which dropped the flutter from .47 to .17% but it did not improve the speed. I used the rpm app for speed and flutter tests. Please advise

[@jimsregaturntableshifijukebox]

Or you could... buy a brand new standard subplatter and matching bearing sleeve from Rega, the are very inexpensive.😉

[@CrazySparkie63]

Just fitted the Tangospinner Hi-lube to my Planer 25, big improvement! A big shout out To Gus of Tangospinner for going the extra mile to make sure I got the right one and to match the tolerance of subplatter to bearing sleeve, also a very fair shipping cost to the UK.

[@jimsregaturntableshifijukebox]

Subplatter to bearing tolerance is critical, unfortunately most people are unaware of that fact when they just buy an upgrade?😉 subplatter on its own! Glad to read you are a happy Rega owner Best wishes from Scotland. Jim🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🙂

[@6643bear]

Hi great informative video,on your rp3 does your cartridge pic up hum when you the arm get close to the centre , plse let me know . Thanks mark

[@MODAC]

Some cartridges lack shielding and will hum.

[@6643bear]

@@MODAC hi, I totally agree, I have tried o Ortofon om5 just to try and did reduced the hum , so will be changing out te elyis 2 as soon when it needs changing. What cartridges you recommend for my deck, am thinking at vm95ml, or mp110, it at blue or red for example, regards mark

[@MODAC]

I’m an Audio Technica fan. Go for the 540ML.

[@EddyTeetree]

If Rega thought their table needed upgrades don’t you think they would offer them! For a start the plastic sub-platter is close in structure to a record so provides sympathetic resonance as dose a glass platter. I can see though that adjustable feet or a plus and these are way less expensive than some out there.

[@MODAC]

Rega would likely prefer that you buy a new model or the next model up if you want an upgrade. The P6 has an aluminum subplatter. The current P3 has a metal pulley. What’s wrong with upgrading a 30 year old turntable?

[@johnli3401]

Wasn't the plastic motor pulley chosen due to a safety mandate (the motor is connected to the AC mains & a metal pulley was considered a potential shock hazard when changing speeds were the motor to short). Not a cost control issue (QC reject costs exceeded any possible savings). Rega switched to an aluminum pulley when they went to a 24 VDC motor). An important point not mentioned by the various vendors offering metal replacement pulleys. Great videos - keep them coming

[@MODAC]

Hmmm. Interesting info. Thanks.

[@mikemcguinness1304]

This is in fact true

[@markcarrington8565]

The 24v motor is still AC, not DC.

[@musicman8270]

I have a Rega Planar III, and it's stored at the moment. The inconsistent speed and other things is part of it. The dust cover is 99$ and the motor 74$. And for some reason they have a problem with weight, the exact opposite of most manufacturers. My new Technics is miles ahead of my Rega. Despite the excellent tonearm Rega has. Rega is not a bad table, but just was one I found wanting.

[@MODAC]

I believe you may be interested to see the results of my evaluation.

[@musicman8270]

@@MODAC for sure. Rega makes a decent table but a speed box helps. The speed on mine was running about one and a 4th rpm fast. It soundeda lot better with the box

[@zukispur5493]

Which technics did you get? I ran Tec 12s (in the mix) for decades (concord cartridges) great work horses but they have nothing on the audio technica AT LP 1240s. Its the motor and pitch range. Wicked Battle turntables.

[@musicman8270]

@@zukispur5493 I have a 1210gr, with a blue point #2 cart. It's the third Technics I have had. I bought the Rega when there were no Technics turntables to be found. I was on a waiting list and when I was told there were 17 available I grabbed one. Not just a DJ table, It was designed to be an audiophile deck. Best table I have ever had. Also have an Atlp120 but it's stored at the moment. A bit lacking I'm afraid

[@rabarebra]

@@musicman8270 My RP3 (or RP40) has a speed box.

[@vinylexplorer9817]

Great video! I can't wait for the comparisons. But, are you sure the TS feet are aluminum? Mine look like made out of plastic... Cheers!

[@MODAC]

Yes, metal.

[@DustinHaning]

My end game turntable will probably be a Rega P3. Some day.

[@Joseph78574]

Excelent video!!!

[@tonyfafoglia2927]

Nice video however your record clamp is going to wear your P3 bearing

[@MODAC]

That’s for my Direct drive tables.

[@HuyNguyen-ce2me]

can i upgrade my rega rp6 with these items?

[@MODAC]

Yes

[@petenamlook18]

It a speed selector switch on your turntable a trendy feature?

[@hoobsgroove]

that's not good idea to use these feet you want something thats springy as they intended could try some moon gel under those feet well help! a bit of 2" gaffer tape around the centre of the arm is advisable and good. 1 and quarter turns tight.

[@Eustace.h.plimsoll6625]

If you are lucky enough to have on of these things enjoy it and leave it alone - far smarter people than you or me put a lot of thought into making it right.

[@MODAC]

The reality is they are built to a price point. Compromises are made every step of the way. These upgrades improve upon the budget related issues the manufacturers deal with. The P6 and above use less plastic and have similar components to these upgrades.

[@chrislj2890]

Basic geometry; three points define a plane. Pretty much the easiest way to level something.

[@LeRoySL-q5q]

Too bad Rega doesn't post their specs like W&F, S to N ratios, rumble, speed variation, etc. Kind of like how Grado really doesn't explain the difference between their Prestige cartridges. Yes, companies can ( and DO) fudge their specs sometimes, but they are useful when comparing different products.

[@paulomontero12]

Always stick with original! Saying that I had a rega p3 was not impressed, got a Technics 1200gr much superior turntable in my opinion.

[@ceylonmooney]

hey if ur splittin this up into 2 parts, please release the 2 parts the same day. its; i feel like i wasted my time watching a very long trailer for a show. funny thing ive come across in hifi culture is, if youre new, rega is one of the most well-known brands. if not, the opposite is the case.

[@MODAC]

Working on pt 2 now. Thanks for you patience.

[@jameskolar9655]

Perhaps your census was a flop? Few people answered, maybe? How many have Rega sold? Did you ask them?

[@stevendog510]

and ?????

[@nenadkojic7125]

Somewhat baffled. You couldn't be bothered to really compare with your existing turntables. You didn't get the fundamental motor upgrade but thought spending money on shiny bits was a better idea. Not holding my breath as you move more from enthusiast to journalism....

[@MODAC]

Firstly, look out for part 2 coming this week. Secondly, the topic was trying the Tango Spinner products. Thirdly, a new motor kit is $250, and the power supply is another $400+. Should I spend hundreds more on this 30 year old turntable, or is my money better spent on something else? Why are you being so critical?

[@nenadkojic7125]

OK; I didn't realise how expensive it would be to retrofit the newer motor. Unless you have dodgy mains it is debatable whether the AC supply really adds anything other than ease of use. Nevertheless, I would argue the newer motor is a pre-requisite before adding the shiny bits. Then again, not all of us get the shiny bits for free...