I was considering swapping out platters. I was thinking about the Acrylic or the Delrin Platter. Anyone with experience on a Rega P5? What difference's did you hear? Is it worth it? I'm very interested in knowing your thoughts.
Guess I should have looked at your profile! Sorry I can't help you - I stuck with the glass on mine, but there is plenty of discussion on this topic here and on the Vinyl Engine forum. Cheers!
I own a P5. I am sticking with the glass platter. I would like to get the subplatter. and the dual belt pulley. And.. maybe the counterweight which hangs under the arm. Otherwise i am fine.
I own a P3-24 and have both the subplatter and acrylic platter. I prefer it over the glass. one... I hear a little more bass presence, and two.... it makes changing records so much easier, eliminating static. the felt mats were a PITA, not sorry to see them go.
I had the ref/subplatter and acrylic platter on my P3-24 and now have the ref/subplatter delerin platter on my P5 so I never compared the two platters on the same TT. I have to admit I bought the delirin simply because it looks so cool, more hi-end. I know Clearaudio uses delrin platters. The theory is that the delrin is closer in composition to vinyl so you get a binding effect. I do know the image sounds much more solid than on the glass platter. but for me the elimination of static is the one thing I can't go back to with the glass and wool mat. it is also easier for me to pick up and flip the records.
Do you keep the platter spinning while you flip sides with the acrylic platter? I've been doing that with the glass/felt and it makes life so much easier. But yeah, there is some static.
It's pretty easy actually. Remove the glass platter, remove belt, remove subplatter, remove bearing. Put new bearing in, oil up the new subplatter, remove any excess oil, put belt back on, put glass platter back on. Make sure the glass platter is seated properly on the subplatter.
Right, it looks so cool I quit playing records and just watch it spin. No, I do play records and I use a TTweights 1lb weight with bubble to completely bind the vinyl to the platter. Here's a pic of the weight in action with my P3-24/acrylic combo.
I'm not sure Rega Turntables are meant to be used with record weights. Might put too much stress on the motor.
Agree that it is that simple. Plus if you ever need to speak with Frank, you could not meet a nicer guy. Also, he has lots of knowledge in all things vinyl.
Bill (KT88) said it would be fine. He said it wouldn't sound good but that's for me to decide. But remember, he doesn't approve of (endorse) any Rega upgrades.
link to previous discussion funny thing Wasatch, you had the same "I've heard that too" response in that thread.
I recently installed a Groovetracer delrin platter (black) on my P5. I also have the Groovetracer subplatter and counterweight. There is a clear contrast between the delrin and the stock glass/felt. As noted by Frank, the delrin gives a much more balanced frequency response, as well as improved soundstaging. After first firing up the delrin platter the sound seemed soft, with reduced transients and a loss of high frequency information. After living with it for a while and going back and forth with the glass/felt I no longer feel that way. Instead I think the glass/felt artificially highlights certain frequencies. It certainly gives a lively presentation, but one that is less accurate. For jazz, or acoustic or classical I think you get more out of the delrin. If your listening tends toward lots of rock or propulsive music you may find the delrin less satisfying. John K.
cheers Jim. the Groovetracer add-ons sure bring an element of class to an already fine table. the under-slung counterweight improves tracking too. Frank sure makes great stuff.
