My Rega P2 will be a Frankenstein-ian project built out of painful turntable experiences of buying, selling, getting close, then chunking it all only to realize I did something stupid. Two previous Rega’s RP3’s, I didn’t like the whole double brace technology sound. Some other tables I lucked into and didn’t realize what I really had. I don’t see a way to a REALLY expensive turntable/tonearm combination, based on my current analog consumption, but I do know what I’ve liked from combinations I’ve stumbled across in the past. Most recently I’ve come to respect my Rega P2 with the RB-220 tonearm (fully adjustable anti-skate) and hope I can bring some other mods to it that will elevate my analog listening experience.
I’m reaching back to my all-time favorite cartridge, the Denon DL103. The Rega P2 plastic end stub is out, replaced (on the way) by Inceni Audio underslung counterweight and stainless steel stub designed for the RB220 with heavy weights for the Denon. I was worried I wouldn’t be able to replace the end stub and counterweight. I “heard” Rega had glued in the end stub which had me reticent to try and remove it. But just a slight twist and it came out like butter, which was troubling as well. It should have been more snugged-up. The underslung counter weight will allow VTA adjustment of the tonearm while allowing the dustcover to remain in place.
Tango Spinner sub-platter and upgraded belt. That has already brought a small, but significant level of speed stability.
I bought a Schiit Mani 2 for the Denon. The Mani is still getting knock-out reviews for phono preamps under $1,000. Using the DL103, it was a past winner of a shoot-out between the Mani, a Musical Fidelity and another preamp. The Mani won hands down. I still don’t like the brand name though.
As much as I love streaming, I can’t shake the tweaking of analog. Plus, the album covers are like little time capsules. I just received a Little Feat album from Discogs, 1988 Let It Roll, their first album after Lowell George died. I couldn’t get the album back in the sleeve, reached inside and discovered newspaper clippings of the album debut and concert information from a 1988 Washington Post. The original owner was obviously a big fan. I felt like I was let in on a secret, something very important to this person. Very cool!
More project pics as I go.
I’m reaching back to my all-time favorite cartridge, the Denon DL103. The Rega P2 plastic end stub is out, replaced (on the way) by Inceni Audio underslung counterweight and stainless steel stub designed for the RB220 with heavy weights for the Denon. I was worried I wouldn’t be able to replace the end stub and counterweight. I “heard” Rega had glued in the end stub which had me reticent to try and remove it. But just a slight twist and it came out like butter, which was troubling as well. It should have been more snugged-up. The underslung counter weight will allow VTA adjustment of the tonearm while allowing the dustcover to remain in place.
Tango Spinner sub-platter and upgraded belt. That has already brought a small, but significant level of speed stability.
I bought a Schiit Mani 2 for the Denon. The Mani is still getting knock-out reviews for phono preamps under $1,000. Using the DL103, it was a past winner of a shoot-out between the Mani, a Musical Fidelity and another preamp. The Mani won hands down. I still don’t like the brand name though.
As much as I love streaming, I can’t shake the tweaking of analog. Plus, the album covers are like little time capsules. I just received a Little Feat album from Discogs, 1988 Let It Roll, their first album after Lowell George died. I couldn’t get the album back in the sleeve, reached inside and discovered newspaper clippings of the album debut and concert information from a 1988 Washington Post. The original owner was obviously a big fan. I felt like I was let in on a secret, something very important to this person. Very cool!
More project pics as I go.
