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Re: Are you sure it wasn't faulty?

Hi Sylvian,

Well, in your case, if you have no real problems with actual tracking ability, wow & flutter or motor noise I suspect the reason you don't like the Rega is because you just don't like the type of sound it makes. It is a lean sounding turntable which majors on detail (taking the low price into account) at the expense of some depth and tonal colour. Some people like this but I found it became a bit fatiguing after a while, kind of like CD. Thorens decks are softer, warmer and more natural and laid back.

In any case, checking the bearings is easy. To check the turntable bearing take off the glass platter, remove the belt, replace the platter and give it a spin. Listen closely to the bearing for any nasty grinding noises (the Rega bearings are usually very quiet). Quickly coming to a halt is also a sign of a worn or damaged bearing.

To check for play remove the glass platter and gently push down on one side of the subplatter. Any excess play will be evident as you will feel the subplatter move from side to side within the bearing housing. NB, this doesn't apply to all decks as some, such as the early Systemdek IIx's have low tolerance bearings by design. The Regas, by comparison, should exhibit no excess play at all.

With arm bearings simply balance the arm so it 'floats' and position it as far over the disc as it will go. Set antiskate to 0. Then release it and watch it float back to the armrest. Any sticktion or jerking is a sign of damaged horizontal bearings. To test the vertical bearings keep the arm balanced and softly blow down on the headshell. The arm should move gently downwards, then return to where it was.

Rega arms have very little bearing play. To check for this simply grasp the headshell & twist VERY VERY GENTLY! Any clicks or obvious movement in the bearing assembly means the arm is either broken or out of adjustment.

Hope this helps! Personally I think the RB250 on the Rega turntable was maybe a bit too much of a good thing and the old RB200 actually worked better being less incisive but also less sterile, warmer and softer.

Kind Regards,

Matt


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