Fattening a Planar 3

Something I tried with my old Planar 3 was to run the motor from a Valhalla board.

I havent done this and not sure that I would, not that I think it would work but rather I would save the money and get a better deck. Fact is Rega is an entry deck and I'm not sure if its worth upgrading. But anyway there are three main improvements:

1. Make sure your rega is on the wall shelf, this not only is the cheapest but is the most important ugrade if you want real returns from the folloing two

2. Get your 'planar 3' updated to the new 'P3' with Rega P3 Update kit

3. Get your tone-arm updated with Origin Live modifications

thats the closest your gonna get to a lp12 I reckon. If you got the money it would be worth adding a 130-200 quid cartridge, the RB300 arm can certainly take it, like a rega super elys, goldring 1042, DNM Mica or Dynevector DV10X4 Mk2.

Enjoy

[This message was edited by Haroon on THURSDAY 12 February 2004 at 00:52.]

quote:

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Originally posted by garth:
I have a planar 3/rb300/Denon DL110. I can't afford an LP12. Is there any quick, easy, and most importantly, CHEAP, way one can fatten or enrich the sound of a planar 3. I know that compared to an LP12, some feel it is rather thin sounding. Any cheap easy way to get some of that fatter LP12 feeling. I realize it will never sound like an LP12, and that there are no doubt trade-offs. Probably a silly naive question but...

Thanks,
Garth

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Hy garth!the motor upgrade will make the sound of your deck objective better.
but still rega sounding.
the ol tonarm modification makes a more tonal
open sound.A little in the direction of sme armsound imo.
Another cartridge will be another cartridge on the same Table.(still rega sound)

best not expensive Idea:go for another more lp12 similar wobble chassis that is affordable,may be a s/h thorens.

O.J.

quote:

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Originally posted by o.j.:


best not expensive Idea:go for another more lp12 similar wobble chassis that is affordable,may be a s/h thorens.

O.J.

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A Systemdek IIX/900 is also an affordable option that might be interesting.

The motor upgrade makes the deck's bass slightly more controlled (and I reckon, deeper, based on what I heard). A new belt will also help, if your's is older than 18 months ish.

A Flutterbuster improves things further ADN gives you 33/45 at the flick of a switch

__________________________
Make your choice, adventurous Stranger;
Strike the bell and bide the danger
Or wonder, till it drives you mad,
What would have followed if you had.

Changing the plugs
When my dealer sold me the deck, the last waring he gave me was not to alter the supplied lead
Kishor the change your mate had was more due possibly due to the fact that the new plugs were cleaner. There have been many posts on this forum about keeping plugs/contacts clean (at least once a year). Im sure your friend would have had the same result if he had just un-plugged and re-plugged a few times.

Thanks for all the responses. Curiously, my - used - planar 3 came with female RCA's at the base/back of the deck and I am using Linn Analogue interconnects to my 32.5. I probably wouldn't do the various arm, motor, etc. upgrades and modification as I suspect the cost would add up to something approaching the cost of an LP12 or something else. I did spy a project perspective at my local shop that was not to expensive and has certainly received some positive reviews. I amy also keep an eye out for a systemdek IIX but it owuld be quite a fluke if one showed up locally. I will most likekly just settle in with what I have, not worry about it, but keep an ear to the ground if any good deals come up on some reasonable alternatives.

I must say, my new/used $5.CDN copy of Dizzy's Big 4 sounded pretty good tonight.

Cheers,
Garth

quote:

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Originally posted by garth:
Thanks for all the responses. Curiously, my - used - planar 3 came with female RCA's at the base/back of the deck and I am using Linn Analogue interconnects to my 32.5. I probably wouldn't do the various arm, motor, etc. upgrades and modification as I suspect the cost would add up to something approaching the cost of an LP12 or something else. I did spy a project perspective at my local shop that was not to expensive and has certainly received some positive reviews. I amy also keep an eye out for a systemdek IIX but it owuld be quite a fluke if one showed up locally. I will most likekly just settle in with what I have, not worry about it, but keep an ear to the ground if any good deals come up on some reasonable alternatives.

I must say, my new/used $5.CDN copy of Dizzy's Big 4 sounded pretty good tonight.

Cheers,
Garth

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Hy Garth!
forget project perspective.It is the worst sounding project i know since project 6.1. A pure design Table and if you want to play 45 you have to change the Motor on the deck. I think it comes with two motors since project
noticed that there where people which have bought Perspective and wanted to play also 45,which was not possible with this deck.Welcome to the madhouse.
O.J.