The humble Rega P1 turntables can be further improved without problems using many third party products/accessories. This could be one of the many reasons that makes Rega turntables very popular. Another reason is that the Rega turntables are simple, rugged and very well engineered - to last for a long time.
The stock Rega P1 is equipped with Ortofon OM5E stylus. By just changing the stylus to OM10E, you get an upgrade immediately. Just plug and play - a very simple upgrade. OM10E costs around USD 50.00-60.00, depending on where you buy it from.
Ortofon OM10E stylus
The first thing I am going to do is to change the original mild steel counterweight. Just remove the counterweight, followed by the plastic end-stub. Then screw in the stainless steel end-stub and fix the under-slung stainless steel counterweight.
Under-slung stainless steel counterweight (USD100.00)
The original wooden fiber platter of Rega P1 could be replaced or upgraded cheaply either by getting a used 10 mm glass Rega Planar 2 from the flea market for USD 20.00-30.00 or a new acrylic platter (24 mm thick) for ~USD 130.00. You can hear the difference immediately after the change.
Rega P1 with original wooden fiber platter
8 mm /10 mm glass platter (~USD 45.00)
Upgraded Rega P1 with
Acrylic platter (USD 130.00) and
Rubber/cork mat ( USD25.00)
Acrylic platter (USD 130.00) and
Rubber/cork mat ( USD25.00)
To change the original plastic sub-platter to the aluminium metal sub-platter with anti-resonance pattern brings about immediate sonic improvement that no one can deny. Remove the plastic unit carefully and insert the aluminium metal sub-platter after wetting the stainless shaft with suitable lubricating oil.
Aluminium sub-platter (USD150.00)
All turntables are susceptible to ground-borne vibrations and a good isolating platform would help to reduce this undesirable effect, thus improving the sonic performance. So lastly I put my Rega P1 turntable onto a 20 mm acrylic isolating platform for better isolation from undesirable vibrations.
Rega P1 turntable with aluminium sub-platter, acrylic platter,
stainless steel counterweight, record clamp,
and 20 mm acrylic isolating platform (USD110.00)
and 20 mm acrylic isolating platform (USD110.00)
Shall we sit back and enjoy beautiful music from this upgraded Rega P1 turntable!
Proceed to :
i) Detail steps to upgrade P1....
on Motor isolation base upgrade if you are adventurous.
ii) Stainless steel pulley ( Standard and dual ) for a surprise.
iii) Aluminium feet ( à la p7/p9 feet)
*Notes:
1. All upgrades for Rega P1 turntable are also applicable for Rega RP1, P2, P3, P3-24, P5, P25, Planar 2 and Planar 3 turntables.
2. Counter-weight upgrade can also be used for Rega P7 and P9 turntables to improve the performance.
*Read more on : "Tips on upgrading ........">>
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