Rega Planar 3 Vs. Linn Sondek LP12! Tango Spinner Upgrades a Winner? Pt.2

[@timothyfreeseha4056]

I have the Rega p3 . My experience is that I love it with some recordings and hate it with others. I am apt to agree with commenters here that suggest that different is different.that may simply because I do not have a reference for what is better. And, really, that could be enough to satisfy the need for something better. What puzzles me is why the upgrade path that is available for my Rega seems to suggest that I would have been wiser to have gone with a non Rega option to begin with. And also- as noted below, that the upgrades are corrections for what seems to be gaps in the lighter is better theory that produced the table to begin with. So, I'm puzzled..maybe wrong, but not critical . The p3 has offered me a lot & I'm happy to have it.

[@timothyfreeseha4056]

Your comment is both funny- to me, and true!

[@kosiekoos9408]

Spot on commentary that is exactly what i was thinking being the owner of a Thorens 166 mk2. I was tempted with the Rega P3 cos it looks so light and cool. The upgrades take me back to traditional platter designs. Im thinking money spent on cartridges is better spent. Great video.

[@007drworm]

Well said mate. I just came across this video myself. Now I received my original Rega Planar 3 as a gift from my Cousin, many years ago, I did still do $1000 (Australian dollars) on upgrades years after I received it, because I could I suppose. I put it in for a service at our local and only record player specialist in Brisbane (Queensland / Australia). Then I thought, while it's there, I want an upgraded moving coil cartridge (instead of the cheap DJ one I installed myself) It needed a thinner upgraded Boston Acoustics cork material mat for that, then decided on upgraded internal wiring and composite ball bearings inside also. I think that was it. I'm not 100% happy with the upgrades right now, due to low output and a noise because of the higher volume. My RIAA pre amp box, is of sufficient quality, and has an MM / MC switch. But that's it. It's pretty basic and entry level. So I'll either wait until the cartridge is worn out soon. Or upgrade the pre amp with adjustable gain levels. 🎶🎵💯👍

[@ptbfrch]

It's wonderful that you had a reference that you could go back to and listen and compare to, because hearing and memory together is a fickle combination. Many feel that upgrades don't make any difference, and that we 'hear what we want to hear', but you have clearly quantified your findings in describing differences in relation to a reference. I find this video very well done, and your experiment will help many in their quest to upgrade the sound of their turntable, spending a little at a time, having fun while doing it, and achieving something over time that is rewarding. Like you I have owned a Linn LP12 of similar vintage, with all the upgrades except the power supply, and today I use a 2016 Rega P3 that has had similar upgrades to yours, and I do prefer the Rega sound myself, but I did not prior to the upgrades.

[@mortlach186]

So when you say all the upgrades to your Linn, what do you mean? There are three different sub chassis updates, 12volt ac motor with power supply and tachometer, dc motor upgrade Radikal update, etc. And that's not counting tonearms and cartridges. I believe that you can top out at $30-$35K, $55-$60K and you cannot do some of these updates without the power supply update. I'll assume you own a Valhalla based LP12?

[@gezparks9630]

Top tip. The Rega planar is very sensitive to the platform it sits on. A proper dedicated stand like a Sound Organisation table. Ie. A rigid, lightweight metal frame table with spiked feet and supporting a chipboard shelf. The fundamental improvement in performance is massive to this deck.

[@Random-kq4pz]

I agree and the LP12 is very sensitive to what it is placed on too. It likes the same thing, a very light and ridged support.

[@ENGLISHISBEST]

Purchased a platform for the rega 3 & got an amazing upgrade on the cheap.

[@BO-kh1iz]

Top tip is to buy a turntable with more mass in the first place, isn´t it? What´s the value of a product that is based on reducing as much mass as possible only to sell "upgrades" and platforms to compensate for this lacking mass? Rip off.

[@BO-kh1iz]

@@ENGLISHISBEST Everytime some happy customer cheers about spending even more money on an "amazing upgrade" to finally get this piece of crap running halfway decent makes me puke.

[@patthewoodboy]

the easy upgrade is to place the TT as far away from the speakers as is possible , this info is missing from all upgrade and stand mount posts .. , I wonder why

[@christopherward5065]

The Planar3 was my first turntable and I got to meet Roy Gandy a number of times. He’s a very good engineer and listens intently when you speak to him. The fact that the Planar3 is such a long-lived touchstone product is that it is a case of simplicity hiding good engineering. He made it that you get it out of the box, place it on the level surface, plug it in and play with minimal fuss. I think you would probably get more mileage on your P3 with a power supply. I bet it sounds excellent as it stands with the Tango Spinner parts but, adding a power supply will lower the noise floor even more and increase separation and resolution. I would be interested to see what mileage you could get from Funk Firm upgrades too.

[@marvellousmusic4336]

The Linn deserves a better cartridge, a moving coil one would make it shine.

[@scrunts666]

I miss my Planar 3. I think it is the best turntable I ever owned. I currently own a Technics SL-100C and still believe this is the case.

[@mladenbasic1]

Love these mod videos. Keep them coming!

[@davidjgomm]

If you can substitute every part of the Sondek is it still a Sondek? Trigger's broom?

[@MODAC]

Excellent question

[@mikecoffee100]

Since I have a P3 a big upgrade from my Nad / Rega Hybrid I had before and this looks like a good P3 channel so subscribed

[@MODAC]

Another Rega-themed video is coming. Thx.

[@false_binary]

This was a great review, will check this provider out! I like Rega's philosophy of light plinths, but thinking the current p3 tonearm setup is limiting and considering upgrading to a more versatile tonearm / cart.

[@mikeg.s.6039]

My Canaro kit just came in a couple of days back and I am looking forward to implementing the upgrades over the weekend. The Delrin platter and Boca feet might be next on the list. Thank you for these videos -Highly informative and instructive.

[@bigjuan4u]

I remember there used to be a legend in the ether that there were Connoisseur BD1 turntables out there that sounded as good as a Linn Sondek. My friend had one back in the 70’s and it did sound really very good with a humble Shure M75EJ2 cartridge fitted. This went into a 5 watts per channel Teleton amplifier playing through Celestion Ditton 15 speakers. Not having a Linn Sondek to compare it to I couldn’t be sure he had one of the fabled Connoisseurs because only some of them were blessed with the Linn sound quality so the legend went.

[@jimsregaturntableshifijukebox]

This was very interesting, thanks for taking the time.

[@mikeg.s.6039]

"the tables have turned..." - Brilliant! :)

[@timothyfreeseha4056]

I love your videos. In this case, i love the p3/ naim/ rogers system. Seems like it could be very entertaining

[@MODAC]

It is! Thanks.

[@Joseph78574]

What a great review!! Thank you máster!!

[@carmenandthedevil2804]

I remember the Ariston RD80 or the Thorens TD160 being called "The poor man's Linn" not the Rega.

[@MODAC]

Like the “5th Beatle”. Lots of them.

[@maroon2k]

I'd rather say the Linn is "The scam artist's TD160"

[@mokujinsan9946]

Personally, I'd go for the Ford Escort RS Cosworth. 👍❤️

[@stevenburke1728]

great video! I'd upgrade the Linn all day long. upgrading the power supply makes a big difference, so spend the money there...in my opinion.

[@willanderson6963]

Time to reconsider that notion. One of the oldest and best LP12 dealers in the states, a dealer that consistently used every possible variation and updates to it are now changing their mind about it. The new and limited Naim Solstice Special Edition Turntable (by the way they are also a top destination for Naim and know more about Rega tables than just about anyone). Not cheap but about half of the Linn's fully loaded price. And it comes complete; table, Aro arm, The New Naim MC cartridge, phono preamp, and a dual power supply specifically designed for the Turntable and preamp. All in, not bad for a statement product from Naim considering their other statement products can go six figures. Haven't seen or heard it yet but a while back, I spent two hours listening to I think three-hundred thousand bucks worth of electronics through these thin real tall Dynaudio's ($85,000.00?) with their own insanely made rips of just about anything I wanted to hear with an iPad controlling it all. It changed my world view on audio but for this KZbin site and many others like it you wonder what's the point of listening to these people well intentioned or not discuss subjects that they are clearly even remotely familiar with and do not seem to understand that. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gXangmh4ppd2Y6c

[@MrVinylObsessive]

Great video!

[@PeterKKraus]

In 1984, I got a Planar 3 blank and had a Linn tonearm and cartridge installed. It was really good!

[@fedrichorlandineumann3062]

Ho comprato anch'io prodotti Tango Spinner ...... favolosi e è ben fatti. Mi manca il piatto in derling però lo prendo sicuramente. Saluti dall'Italia

[@yanivshef]

Yes I enjoyed you video very much. Cheers

[@chrisst8922]

I got my Rega Planar 3 in 1979. I bought it second hand from a guy who was upgrading to an LP 12. In the 90's the S shaped tonearm developed an annoying mains hum and after failing to get it repaired I replaced it with an identical S shaped tonearm that I managed to find. As a matter of interest the rest of the system was bought at the time and comprises Quad 33/405 and Leak 2075 speakers.

[@andybona3205]

Get a Hana cart for a RP8 I did and it blew my mind - the difference was remarkable 😊

[@reinventing59]

Really enjoyed that video think I might do the same but I've upgraded my power supply and motor already

[@briandavies3723]

I have an older Rega P9 which is a full step ahead of any P3 that you could upgrade , the P9 digs deep for bass and has pace is spades .

[@len9518]

If you are really hearing differences, it may be the carts, even if the same model, or differences in cable capacitance. Be nice, if we could see specs, such as w&f, rumble, speed accuracy. While I often don't agree with you, I enjoy your channel.

[@carminedesanto6746]

I just took my 40 year old Linn out of storage …plugged it in …and it’s good 😌 Will I have it tuned up later ..yup..but it’s still alive 🤣

[@JA-en5xc]

I'm definitely no expert, but i get the feeling that installing a cartridge "properly" (ala Herb Reichert, stylus rake angle, etc. for example) can be difficult. So I always wonder if some of the differences people hear (ex. your Linn vs. stock REGA comparison) aren't partly due to how the stylus ended up when you moved it from one to the other. Just a thought.

[@MODAC]

I didn’t move the cartridge. I have 2 of them. Yes, set up is important, but I don’t go to the extreme like some.

[@JA-en5xc]

@@MODAC Gotcha! Thanks!

[@mortlach186]

Not difficult but tedious. Companies like Wally Tools ( I own some), I wonder if they go too far. Most of the adjustments like rake angle are still approximations when you consider all the differences in tolerance of manufacture. Say you have the rake set perfectly but the stylus is not sitting straight up(right angles) in the groove. Also what Lp do you use for this setup? I've seen MF using a microscope to adjust rake angle, fine. But you put a different record on and rake angle changes. I will say that maybe really accurate rigs with expensive cartridges that come with individual graphs get more out of the most accurate setups than say a fifty-dollar Grado or AT cartridge. I have this aluminum case with maybe $500.00 of turntable setup tools all neat and tidy in their separate foam compartments and for the most part, will use most of them. Linns attitude about cartridges is once you get some hours on it, that it should not be moved as the tip has been cut, faceted by wear, and moving it would be difficult to line up those faceted points again. Also, you can dial in a cartridge by simply adjusting the counterweight by tenths of a gram. Again Linn has all this on their websites.

[@zukispur5493]

My brother runs a Linn. Decent turner. Wouldn't swap it for my Garrard 401 though (SME arm)

[@bazassaminoteii8225]

Welcome to my world

[@bobsoldrecords1503]

I was amazed at the improvements to my Project Carbon Debut DC after getting the aluminium sub platter and acrylic platter upgrade. It went from a great for a $400 table to a spectacular $600 one. It was definitely worth what I spent and then some.

[@BO-kh1iz]

Well. Why don´t they sell a decent turntable in the first place?

[@osliverpool]

That was very interesting, thanks. I did similar upgrades to my P3 some time ago, but I didn't have a Linn lying around that I could use for comparison 😄 I also liked the result I got changing the glass platter for an acrylic one - I'd like to hear how you get on with a delrin one if you go for it.

[@gnoter2]

Having owned a Jag, I'd choose that to travel in! (1996 xj6) I'd ever a guess, it you upgraded both, to the highest levels the gap between would be closer? Maybe in favor of the Linn? Good subject matter review!

[@mortlach186]

The Linn will outperform any Rega period. Talk to any dealer who sells both and has long term experience with both. The issue or problem with a review like this one is what is the point of this review? When you have someone with basically zero experience with setup, with the exception of these two tables, someone who lacks the knowledge, tools, what to even look for (issues), particularly with the Linn, you're left with an LP12 of a certain vintage that may or may not have issues reviewed by a person who wouldn't know. There is just tooooo many ways, and variations, to owning a Linn and this tiny sliver of a take on their products, especially by an inexperienced owner, well what do you really get out of it. Take your 96 XJ6; when it is tuned up properly, chassis and suspension, tires just right, all by mechanics who know this car, it just sings. And that's the same with a Linn. Just one more thing, when visiting the factory in Glasgow years ago, Ivor drove a Walkinshaw Jaguar. It was fast , high performance. and drop dead gorgeous car.

[@Error2username]

I dont miss my rp3, oracle all the way.

[@mmakshak]

I'll keep it simple. Which one causes your body to move to the music?

[@ki001]

Love your soundproof panels, can you please share what they are and where to buy them? Thanks much!

[@MODAC]

Not soundproofing, acoustic panels. GIK Acoustics. Look for the video I made about them. Thx

[@ki001]

@@MODAC thanks much and my apologies, I meant acoustic panels. I’ll check out the video

[@matthewbarrow3727]

Was your table (which the turntables sit on) leveled with a spirit level? Given that there is no level adjustment on the turntable, you will need to level the table itself. My Linn Sondek sits on a multi-level Sound Organization table with adjustable feet. This made leveling the table easy. You can check the grommets are set up by doing the bounce test (ie. watch the platter bounce directly up and down when you push down on the platter on the side towards the arm). I had a Linn Troika cartridge on the Linn, and the synergy was very good. I find that system synergy is very important, even within the turntable itself. All-Linn parts automatically have great synergy. Of course, what we like is very subjective and based on taste.

[@MODAC]

Yes, it was level. I plan to change springs and grommets soon. Thanks

[@ThresholdZhor]

Is good to upgrade the RP3 very nice, but the Linn is superior in sound

[@EddyTeetree]

You say it’s a 1981 Linn. How long since the springs were changed. This makes possibly the biggest difference on that table. The more they go out of spec the more the performance degrades. Mine is a 1974 export model. It was recently resprung (whopping cost of $100 fitted by expert) and was a night and day experience tone wise.

[@MODAC]

1988. I have new springs and am planning to try to change them myself.

[@Bornlivedie2]

@@MODAC Hahaha so this utter useless then.. nice going dude!!

[@EddyTeetree]

Good luck man. Quite tricky without the jig. But I’ve seen it done on a chair frame with the seat removed. The trick is the balance coz the weights are different at each point. IMHO all that softness etc you talk about will disappear when it’s set up right.👍

[@primeanalogrecords]

This is a great comparison! You are a man very much as I! I still love the classic vintage audio and enjoy putting system together! Matter of fact I especially love turntables and would love to have as many as possible since back in the '90's-2000"s I expected all turntable manufacturing to evaporate! At one point I had 8 turntables with half of them being Bang & Olufsen!

[@ceylonmooney]

ive got a current model p3. luv it. very curious about the upgrade.

[@MODAC]

Order some upgrades from Tangospinner then.

[@ceylonmooney]

@@MODAC curious; not ready to pull the trigger. i wouldnt mind speakin or typing with someone who owns a current model p3 and isntalled their upgrades.

[@brucevair-turnbull8082]

I have a Rega Planar 25 (bought new when they were discontinued about 18 years ago). I'm interested in making an upgrade with the tango Spinner but will I hear a notable difference in the sound from the existing set up?

[@1x3dil]

Hi sir I have the latest Rega P3 deck with the Rega phono stage and Rega ups , I was wondering would it be better than continuing on an upgrade path with your rega to go instead for a Rega P6 . I myself had to stick with a yearly budget hence me not going straight to the P6 , but surely in your case it would make more economic sense in the long run . Best wishes and kind regards 😀👍👍👍

[@John2E0GTU]

If you like the sound of your existing set up, why upgrade? My tt is 1976 and I still love the sound. So many comments go like this -- I loved xx tt for the 2 years I kept it! Hope this helps.

[@jasonemanuel9070]

Go for the 6

[@engjds]

Can upgrade it all you want and placebo yourself into thinking it comes close or better, but it makes no sense it can compete with a 3-point suspension system, point bearings, near 4kg platter and precision top plate.

[@MODAC]

Stating an opinion without hearing the results? Not cool.

[@engjds]

@@MODAC Not really an opinion, its quite logical, unless you are saying Linn, Thorens etc wasted their time making heavy platters and 3 point suspension ).

[@pierluigicroce6040]

Did you tested the latest updates from Linn? Much Much more improvements...

[@MODAC]

Ummm. They are very expensive. So no, I’m afraid.

[@tomaslarsen7814]

I also have a old Lp12 Valhala. Maybe I will upgrade it

[@tiagoveras7065]

I'm a vinyl enthusiast and I live in Brazil. Here the information is very scarce. My intention is to listen to vinyl records and I currently have a Marantz PM8006 Amplifier, Elipson Prestige Facet 8B speakers and a Turnable AT-LP1240 with Ortofon 2m RED. I want to change my capsule, I wanted to buy an ortofon 2m black. However, I was unsure whether I should also change my AT-LP1240 since it is more aimed at DJs (I didn't really understand this at the time I bought it). My question is: Should I actually change the AT-LP1240? I thought about purchasing a Raga Planar 3 or Pro-ject RPM 3, or perhaps even a Pro-Ject 1Xpression. Is changing the record player really recommended? Should I really get another sound experience with better quality for my purpose? I already know the capsule is terrible and should at least go to an Ortofon 2m Silver! Thanks to anyone who can help!

[@marvellousmusic4336]

I currently use a Rega planar 2/ nad clone version with RB250 and new AT95, I've had a Linn Axis and a Sondek, I preferred the Linn sound, I thought the Axis sounded a lot better and I loved speed switching. The sondek with Akito Mk1 I thought was amazing. Why did I get a rega, because Linn Axis are know to break out of the blue and it did. Should of kept the Linn Adikt. Got the planar 2 at £140. It's way of better than the Axis by a long shot so the LP12 blue it out of the door. Why did I get rid of the sondek, because I knew nothing about turntables then so I'd swapped it for an Axis. My last one was the second one I had.

[@mauriziolagaxio4954]

I have LP12 Akurate Level and Rega RP8 I love both

[@vosenfaber]

How do know that the cartridge used is a good match for either turntable. Maybe with a Grado for instance, the Rega would be much better than the Linn or the opposite. The Linn would benefit more than the Rega with other or better cartridges. Shouldn't that be taken in account. Love the time and effort you put into this. Thank you

[@MODAC]

I suppose I will never know and not really bothered to find out. Very happy with the AT VM740ML. Excellent performing mm cartridge for a reasonable cost. Thanks and you’re welcome.

[@mortlach186]

Did you check the speed of the tables? The Linn's speed is adjustable, if you don't know, by adjusting the tilt on the motor and that changes where the belt rides on the pulley. Sometimes a slight bump up in rotation (speed) makes for a snappier sound. Also, does the Rega have the 24volt motor upgrade? That is the best place to start to really make a solid improvement. Also, what is the idea of the two belts driving the platter? Have you tried just one belt to see what happens? I have heard several Rega after market mods and for the most part , they may sound different but just different and not necessarily better. Actually even some of the Rega improvements I would include. If you can, dump the Parasound and get a Naim phono board. Both tables will sound better. And I have to say your audio system has evolved into a really great one on a sonic and esthetic level. It reminds me of the kind of setups that I remember seeing in certain specialty shops plus British rags like HiFi News. I think that it's just timeless.

[@MODAC]

Yes, I am aware of how to adjust the speed of the LP12. Besides a phone app, I do not have a proper strobe to accurately check speed. I have multiple systems in my house that are continually changed. Do you think it’s easy to find a phono board in the US (or anywhere) for a 20+ year old Nait 3? I’m not sure that I want to invest anymore money into the old Rega. Resources better used elsewhere. Thanks

[@mortlach186]

@@MODAC So I spoke to John Schwarz at Pro Musica (Chicago) and he has the phono boards for the Nait III in stock and at a reasonable price if your interested. It took me all of sixty seconds to find them. I don't think anyone in the country knows more about Naim audio products than John and Ken Christensen. Ken also is a Naim recording engineer. P.S., Ken informed me that they got in the Naim Solstice Turntable, arm and preamp combo and that it is better, sometimes subtlely in every way than a fully loaded Linn and this is from one of the most staunch supporters of the LP12 (until now) I know and has had every other table outside of the insanely priced gear in their shop and that says a lot about the Naim table. Didn't bother to ask about the price. Plus everything I just wrote goes double for Rega.

[@TheNoncritical1]

@@mortlach186 I can vouch for Pro Musica's two owners. They'll solve any problem that arises with either Linn or Rega decks.

[@ThresholdZhor]

I laugh when I see people saying that a SL-1200 mk2 can sound equal to a Linn Lp12 when a Thorens sound a bit better than a 1200 mk2

[@705johnnyboy]

love my lp12 ,would never part with it ,will get the ekos arm one day lol....

[@ginomoujik8488]

8:50 Upgrade P3 with a P1 style platter for the cost of a second-hand P1 to hide the beautiful upgraded zirconium sub-platter! :D

[@JohnSmith-of4vh]

The Rega has no speed adjustment & little in the way of VTA. Old LP12's sound luxurious compared to what is now available. Much of this has to do with system matching. I have owned both decks & I think you get what you pay for.

[@r423fplip]

You definitely do not .

[@JohnSmith-of4vh]

@@r423fplip Rega planar 3 was £148 in 1981 the lp12 £340 without arm.

[@JohnSmith-of4vh]

£340 without arm in January 1983 to be precise so double the cost of a 3 but with a main bearing with 50% less rumble than a budget Project!

[@keng888]

Have a dumb question, how does the vintage Empire turntable you have compared to these modern turntables?

[@SpineTingler007]

That was my first turntable, back in the 70s. Noisy motor with lots of rumble. Very heavy tonearm. Nothing good about it other than a nice wooden case.

[@BellTunnel]

Great videos. Looks like you’re using only one of the belts. Do you like the sound of one belt better than two?

[@MODAC]

No, I’m using both belts. Much faster start up

[@BellTunnel]

@@MODAC I recently installed the GrooveTracer Reference Subplatter and Delrin platter. I was really surprised by the improvement. I’m typically skeptical about the incremental upgrades, but I’ve come to realize that the marriage of tonearm and platter/subplatter is almost as important as cartridge and speakers.

[@briancullen8506]

You would not want to put a Mack truck shock absorber on a Honda Civic. Tonearm/Cartridge compatibility - by Galen Carol Audio.... is very helpful to understand the general important mechanical aspects of your tonearm/cartridge capability in order to provide the best sound from a record groove. The Rega 300 tonearm's effective mass is 11.5g. It should be used with carts that weigh 4 to 11g for the best chance of getting great sound from the records that you paid so much for.

[@michaelbrady9364]

I thought the thorens td160 was the poor mans linn. I had one up until last year. Great tt. It was modded.

[@MODAC]

Like the “5th Beatle”. Lots of them.

[@scrappy7571]

Back in the early 80's I had the Linn, my friend had the Rega. We used to A/B them, most always the blindfolded "audience" would pick mine. ✌

[@mathiasaxelsson]

Nice! Now you just have to uppgrade the Linn with a Lingo, Adikt, Kore and Trampolin :)

[@MODAC]

$$$. Please join my Patreon to help😄

[@Lindsay-t2e]

No ! It,s a money go round. . Speaking from Scotland , ex dealer.

[@pierremartin9048]

Excellent

[@lucienpellerin]

I am curious about the acoustic panels behind you ? Bye. Lucien

[@MODAC]

Please watch this: GIK Acoustics Room Treatment Rescued My Room! kzbin.info/www/bejne/iH6sdHRvebKYh7M

[@RF-lz9cd]

That’s an awesome looking stereo stand. Love the vinyl storage capacity on either side. Where did you get that?

[@MODAC]

Watch this video: Building a Superb Hifi and Record Stand for My Marantz Receiver kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJmUgaaajaiDY6c

[@stephen579]

I have been working on a Rega upgrade based on the P3 plinth, I have an RB250 arm that has been stripped and rebuilt with better bearings a fitted with a metal stub and counterweight, and then it was rewired with Litz silver wire and foam filled with Van Dam RCA cables, The main bearing and holder is ceramic, and the sub-platter is a 3 spoke machined alloy, I am running a twin belt pully and a 24v DC motor with a TTPSU to control the speed, the platter is a 22mm acrylic, and it sits on Sorobothane feet, I have fitted an AT VM95ML cartridge. I kept the smoked glass cover as I like it, I have 2 others that I am working on as well, I also own a Kenwood KD990, a Thorens TD160 mk1, And a Garrard 401.

[@marvellousmusic4336]

There is no way the rega is better than that LP12 you have, especially with an LVII in rare black too. The other question is, could you buy a better turntable with tge money you invested plus the price of the rega itself.

[@felixfranzen7578]

You could buy a second hand Technics SL-1200 (MK2 and up) for $500-600 (in nice condition). Those are better than the LP12. Better specs and measurements.

[@tonyjedioftheforest1364]

@@felixfranzen7578don’t be silly.

[@cirenosnor5768]

Great post however you’re comparing an upgraded Rega to a dated Linn with an internal Valhalla power supply. Comparisons should be made with at least a Linn Lingo outboard power supply. The Valhalla would be like driving a Jaguar sedan and the Lingo would be like driving a Aston Martin

[@ceylonmooney]

hey anyone here have a current model planer 3 and used the tango spinner upgrades? what did you use, and how did it affect the perforance and sound?

[@micaenriquez425]

You may ask Gus through customer service and social media. He knows best

[@paulomontero12]

Rp3 not planar 3 which is newer?

[@TheHammerofDissidence]

I had a Planar 3 with the Tango Spinner subplatter upgrade. Sometimes I miss it even though my 1210gr sounds better to me.

[@Abyss60]

good evening I remember Frank Zappa talking about zircon now I know what it is 🤣

[@squeezy99]

I have a Rega Planar 3 that I bought in 1983 - time to upgrade....

[@jacklawer6389]

Mee 2

[@jacklawer6389]

What do you recommended as a new turntable purchase ? Project carbon good ?

[@BO-kh1iz]

True. Get a cd-player or, if you dare, some decent streamer. You´d be surprised.

[@007drworm]

WOW i recently came across a channel called audiophil, and said to my mate, if my old Original Rega Plannar 3 is great, his Linn Sondek is the ducks nuts ! And then this literally just popped up ! Ha ha ha ! I received it for FREE from my Cousin as a present, but spent an additional $1000 (Australian) on upgrading it,

[@seeyoujimmy188]

You can put lipstick on a pig..... In fairness TS parts look well thought out and fairly priced. How come Roy Gandy didn't implement these obvious improvements years ago Ditto for LP12..

[@MODAC]

Building components to a price point requires compromises. The upgrades are available on the P6 and P8 for a lot more money.

[@seeyoujimmy188]

The original Planar 3 was the stooge in the Linn retailers back in the day. That suited Gandy because he coattaied Linn sales. I'm in Scotland and worked in that industry for 25 + years. I will elaborate if you wish. Not blowing smoke.

[@paulomontero12]

Just buy the p6 instead jerking around with upgrades.

[@MODAC]

If you have the $$$ money. Tangospinner much more cost effective.

[@jasonemanuel9070]

​@@MODACstop wasting money on upgrades you will have the money in no time

[@marvellousmusic4336]

I never the compare of technics SL1200gr, they are DJ turntables not home decks.

[@MODAC]

I strongly disagree

[@marvellousmusic4336]

@@MODAC They are made for DJing so they aren't comparable to a home hifi deck, it's like comparing a formula one car to a car and driving it on the road, I would do the timestep upgrade as featured in hifi world mag. Its no way better than a Linn LP12.

[@TurntableGuy]

Pretty sure those sub-platters are Stainless Steel, not aluminum...

[@MODAC]

Aluminum with stainless steel spindle.

[@tomwebb7091]

​@@MODACor Aluminium if we dont bastardise it 😂

[@jerrypartington3650]

​@@MODACThe linn LP12's inner and outer platters are made from a die cast zinc alloy know as MAZAK, which actually only contains 4% Aluminium. The castings are machined to very tight tolerances to ensure balance and rotational stability.

[@atphotos]

Linn is so overpriced.....yet somehow perfect. Funny how that happens.

[@itsclem1]

All good, however, please could you start pronouncing aluminium as “Al you min ium” and not “a loom ium” thank you.

[@socksumi]

I would agree that in England the Rega 3 was recommended if one could not afford a Linn LP-12... but under no circumstances were they considered equal or even close to equal in sound. It was stated over and over by reviewers that the Linn was substantially better than the Rega. In fact a stock Rega 3 was and is rather overrated in it's performance. I used one and could not see what all the fuss was. Plummy bass that lacks extension with a pervasive brightness thanks to the undamped glass platter, lousy arm cable and a nasty arm resonance... the arm tube rings like a bell when tapped.

[@socksumi]

In my opinion the early Rega Planar 3s were better than later production. They were more solidly constructed... even the glass platter is a bit thicker. And the Rega RB300 arm only got worse after years of production. It has a distinct arm pipe resonance you can hear when you tap on it and which brightens up the sound of whatever cartridge you are using. Some people conflate that brightness for detail which is why it's popular... they don't realize it's just an arm colouration. Add to that a thin crappy arm cable that's light weight in bass. The original Rega R200 arm found on early Rega tables while no champion was and is a more listenable arm than the RB300.

[@Poppinwheeeeellllllieeeeez]

Anyone that knows anything about TTs avoid anything lacking speed adjustment. AC syn motors without some type of pitch adjustment are pure and utter shite.

[@aitchr8770]

I am going to argue, you haven't made it sound better - just different, as you have changed with the sub platter, the twin band,the feet etc you have increased mass. This goes against the whole Roy Gandy theory on turntables. The more expensive you go up the range the 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘦𝘳 the turntable becomes. A reduction not increase in mass. Just saying.

[@MODAC]

Perhaps so. Why does Rega include a metal subplatter on the P6 then?

[@timothyfreeseha4056]

I think different could be better...even when you add pickles to your peanut butter sandwich...that's better. But, actually, I think your argument is right when you have not got a concensus for what might be correct .

[@reynard.fox101]

Linn are massively overrated, and ridiculously overpriced. I’m talking from expensive experience. I’d never contemplate going back to Linn. Yes the LP12 looks good, but SQ is nothing special, even in 2022.

[@willanderson6963]

Curious, what do you prefer and have possibly compared to the LP12 that you liked more? I'm going to check out the new Naim Solstice Special Edition as I'll be able to directly compare it to other serious tables. They're also a Nagra dealer and they have a new turntable, not to mention even Esoteric Audio who make drop-dead gorgeous SACD players and electronics have a beautiful turntable coming out. I have to think those products will be expensive. P S, I stopped on this website because of products under review but have come to the conclusion that he is just another empty hack like ninety-nine percent of the rest on KZbin since Covid19 affected everything and got bored and felt they have something to say about whatever their interests are. My LP12 as it stands is a bit more expensive than the Naim and I am really happy with it, the thought of spending twenty grand and tax on a new table now, I don't know.

[@rickyblair8802]

Put the ittok on the rega, I expect that without doubt that would be what you like best.

[@jerrypartington3650]

Different arm geometry and cut out size and type would make that impossible. Also the Ittok would not perform well on the Rega sonically, despite being a superior arm, it would highlight the short comings of the Rega and sound musically worse than the stock Rega.

[@korling99]

What size bearing sleeve? 12 or 18. I have an older P3 too.

[@MODAC]

Contact Gus at Tangospinner. He’ll help u sort it out. Thanks

[@korling99]

@@MODAC Yup, it’s 18mm for the original Planar 3.

[@jimmyolsenschannel6263]

I have tried several Regas. They all triggered my tinnitus and even caused facial contractions. Some people say this can be caused by the glass platter, and a dealer suggested I use an acrylic platter instead, which of course turned out to be expensive. Another suggested I forget about Regas altogether since they sound like CDs anyway; not what you want when you choose to go analogue. Since Regas also have an on/off switch that threatens to blow out your speakers every time and as a rule run a smidgen too fast, I finally bought an old Thorens instead, in fact the same model that Linn stole their design from. It does the job and does it well!

[@MODAC]

You certainly have an agenda. Thanks

[@jimmyolsenschannel6263]

@@MODAC I do. I'd like to hear from any others who have had tinnitus problems with the Regas. Incidentally, I've had some too with a Clearaudio Concept using the MC made for the model.

[@willanderson6963]

@@jimmyolsenschannel6263 Never heard of a turntable triggering tinnitus or trigger any illness? May I ask what kind of music you listen to when this occurs?

[@jimmyolsenschannel6263]

@@willanderson6963 Thanks for showing an interest. Since you ask, I listen to rock, jazz, folk, classical and all things in between, but really the style of music is irrelevant in this discussion. The tinnitus is triggered a few minutes into listening to any Rega player I've tried and also the Clearaudio Concept when used with the designated MC cartridge, not the MM. The use of a glass/ceramic platter on an unsuspended turntable seems to be the culprit.

[@Chesstom1]

And Thorens stole the design from Acoustic Research in 1965 :)

[@mariocassar3117]

The Rega may, on occasions sound good, but it’s full of design flaws….fixed headshell, no VTA adjustment, and no chance of table levelling. I’m never going to buy into this, whatever they try to tell me regarding it’s superlative attributes.

[@slowpawstevet3676]

a fixed headshell is not a design flaw but a design feature.

[@maroon2k]

Didn't you get two Technics 1200s last year? Why even bother with these mid-fi belt drives? Linns are probably the most overrated turntable in the world, basically a scam for what they cost, sound and build quality is comparable to Thorens cheaper models (those are good value for money!).. maybe...

[@transamericanlife]

My early serial number Linn LP12 sounded at least 5x as good as my housemate's pair of SL1200MK2s.

[@maroon2k]

@@transamericanlife That's because your housemate didn't have the original heavy rubber mats on his/her 1200s but had felt dj slipmats instead, this makes the platter resonate. Never mind the Technics, do a blind comparison with any 300€ Thorens which is basically what Linn copied/imitated. My point is the LP12s aren't bad, but nothing special either, there's absolutely nothing that justifies their completely ridiculous price, they are a scam aimed at superstitious believers.

[@richardsinger01]

Joker!

[@davidjohns.3065]

Having owned both decks in the past rp3 for me , I think the linn is highly overrated I didn’t keep mine long.

[@willanderson6963]

Are you saying the RP3 is better than an LP12?

[@mrmods7912]

Why didn't you just buy the new Rega P6? Don't understand all the messing about you've done

[@MODAC]

A new planar 6 is $1875.

[@BO-kh1iz]

@@MODAC So? After pissing away a lot of money on the celebrated "upgrade path" of a typical Rega fanboy you´ll probably spend that amount of money anyway.

[@MODAC]

@@BO-kh1iz nope. A fraction.

[@JohnDoe-np3zk]

@@BO-kh1iz agreed. I got the p6 with exact 2 and it blows away my p3 elys 2.

[@derekbiggerstaff]

Naim pronounced neev. (Weird eh?)

[@jamesnelson1443]

Linn is so overrated!!!!! And over priced!!! This mod that mod adjust this adjust that!!!! Worst of all unless you live on a slab that thing will bounce the arm off the table if walk over to it!!!! Did a head to head with a REGA P8 both with same cartridge & the P8 was better across the board!

[@jimmyolsenschannel6263]

Why on earth would anyone describe a Rega turntable as "a poor man's Linn"? The two players are like chalk and cheese. You might as well describe a Volkswagen "Beetle" as "a poor man's Volvo". Never heard that absurd statement either, but I've heard a Rega described as "a turntable sounding like a CD player, cold and hard" and a Linn as "a beefed up Thorens for people with more money than mind". These statements somehow make more sense to me.

[@LeoShoSilva]

An LP12 is only as good as the person setting it up.Comparing it to other turntables is a pointless exercise.I've heard Lp12s sounding worse than a Dual.

[@MODAC]

That is one of the annoying aspects of owning an LP12. I’ve had quite a few turntables, and none besides that one requires “expert” setup. Is it a feature or a shortcoming? I don’t live near a Linn dealer, so I’ve had to watch a few videos on the dark art of Linn servicing.

[@LeoShoSilva]

@@MODAC When it is well set up,you generally forget about the hifi and you simply want to put a record on and listen to music,all the time.A badly setup LP12 makes the music sound boring and listless .The choices are listening to the musicians or listening to the sound of the instruments?

[@MODAC]

@@LeoShoSilva as I said in the videos, my LP12 sounds very good. I did not say there is anything wrong with it.

[@slowpawstevet3676]

looks nice, but a Rega will always be a budget turntable, not in the same ball park as a Linn, or a Thorens

[@davidthom7127]

You ruiny the turntable