It's a breeze to remove and install the dual pulley - John just took 10 minutes to get it done for his RP3! 

If what makes you shy off from this upgrade is the whole process involved in installation of the pulley, then the assurance is here! 

Michael, Here are a couple of photos of my RP-3 with your products installed. Stock pulley removed...came off easily with your puller and some acetone: Here are the belts in place on your pulley and a GrooveTracer subplatter: The whole process took about 10 minutes. I installed your adjustable feet a few weeks ago. This is the Rega turntable platform, with a sheet of MDF added to act as a heat shield--my amp is right beneath it, and the aluminum duct tape on the bottom of the MDF keeps the heat away from the turntable motor.  It's a pleasure doing business with you!  John Gallup

Another upgrade for John : Motor isolation base

Michael, These arrived yesterday and were installed today. I believe I can detect improved bass response from my RP3 (which also has your adjustable feet, double belts and pulley, and a number of other tweaks). Listening right now to "Neil Young Live at the Cellar Door," I feel a stronger presence and intimacy to the performance. I don't recall what other users have reported but the improvements more than justify the modest cost of the base. I was very impressed with the quality of the product, and with the clever engineering that re-uses existing parts to make installation pretty simple. It took me about an hour and half, and quite a bit of that time was spent peeling of the remnants of the double-stick tape that held the motor to the plinth.  Here are a couple of thoughts on the installation process that might be of interest: 1. I was surprised that nothing I saw on your website or in the instructions you sent mentioned the requirement to cut the existing power switch wires and solder them to the new switch. I'm not the most skillful solderer but this was simple enough. 2. The leads on the motor wires limit the distance from the motor isolation base to the PC board box. Everything worked, but reaching the little switch might be a problem for users who don't switch the TT on and off elsewhere. 3. I use Rega's wall-mounting bracket, with an MDF board in the open space between the three foot platforms and the rails supporting them. Fortunately the isolation base falls within the perimeter of the rails. 4. Included in the kit was a white foam disk about 100 mm in diameter. I still haven't figured out what that is for. Keep up the good work! Regards, John Gallup San Diego California USA

Thanks John!

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Darren from Manchester found his TT has always run fast when he first wrote to me :

Dear Mr Lim  I have a Rega P3, about 10 years old, which I have owned since new. The dealer upgraded the motor for me shortly after i bought it, and it has been fine ever since, except that it has always run fast. This has not got any worse but I am growing intolerant of it and am on the verge of buying another TT. It basically spins at 34rpm, which is quite noticeable. Currently I have installed a quick fix of stretching a large rubber band around the subplatter which actually gets it spinning at 33.33 (at least as accurately as i can measure it) but this "modification" is (not surprisingly i guess) causing some speed instability which is audible. So, I saw on trawling the internet that you maunfacture and sell the ALSPB subplatter which is specifically designed to be larger than the Rega original subplatter for the very reason of reducing excessive speed. Can you tell me how much it is to ship to the UK? NB I presume that installation is simple? (I would point out that I am not a DIY -er when it comes to precision engineered hi fi equipment......)  Many thanks in advance

I sent him the special model ALSPB sub-platter for reducing the speed of his TT. Thank goodness, his problem is now finally solved.

Michael  Sorry for the delay. I nearly responded with the new email "subject" of "Rega running slow......", as at first it seemed if the new sub-platter had overcompensated for the original speed problem....but a trip to my local dealer on Saturday resulted in a happy ending.  So to give the full story - I fitted the new sub-platter. Your instructions were very clear and it was really straightforward. Because I was changing the subplatter I had decided to buy a new standard Rega belt to make sure everything would be working as well as it could. And the sound was improved (nice clear bass, really rock solid speed stability, and everything just sounded "crisper").  But I quickly noticed that the speed was too slow. Must have been revolving about 32.8 or perhaps slightly slower. So I was quickly disheartened that I had the same problem but from a different angle. V annoying. Everything sounded like a funeral march. I resolved to take a trip to my dealer to see whether a ProJect Speed Box SE could be fitted so I could step up the deck's speed by increments to the 33.3 - somewhat drastic, but I had lost patience.  The dealer was sceptical about the economy of trying to fit the Speed Box and suggested trying one of the white Rega belts which is somewhat thicker than the standard black one. I was doubtful this would make much difference, and had actually started to take a great interest in a (rather expensive) Fund Firm deck in the show room.........Anyhow, I was pretty amazed to find that the belt change did the trick. The P3 is now revolving about 33.2, which is good enough for me. Whether this means the new standard belt I bought was defective I am not sure, but I am now willing to believe the hype about Rega's more expensive white belt!  So the upgrade has really worked. Much better speed (which was the key objective); and the improved clarity of sound and seeming lack of any pitch variability is a great bonus. Money well spent.  As you requested. here are a few photos (showing nicely the new sub platter and the white belt too!). I hope you can view them ok. Apologies I could have cleaned the surface of the deck a bit!  Many thanks, a pleasure dealing with you. Darren

Thanks Darren!

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Stainless Steel Dual pulley is an upgrade to aluminium pulley. Together with the new aluminium sub-platter you would immediately notice significant difference for sure. If further enhanced by the addition of the underslung counterweight, you would be surprised to see the results!

Samar of Richardson, Texas, has these upgrades added to his system and here's his feedback: 

Michael,  I finally had a chance to install all the items I received from you a few weeks back.       . Dual Pulley       . Machined Sub Platter       . Red Belts       . Under slung tone arm weight  I installed all the components at the same and I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I played a few records and I immediately noticed a big increase in pitch stability as well as soundstage. I suspect this is because of the machine sub platter. Overall, the sound is just tighter, more accurate, and the spatial separation of the instruments is fantastic. The bass definitely sounds an octave lower, with much more slam and presence. I'm still using just an Elys 2 so I suspect that I can get more more detail from the grooves by upgrading my cartridge/stylus.  Thanks again for all your help and I'll be back soon for the ceramic platter and the spacers :) I've attached a few pictures of the install for you. The amp that I am using is a PrimaLuna Prologue 2 (http://www.primaluna-usa.com/product-main/prologue/classic-int)  The speakers that I am using or the Rega RS5.  Overall, I'm extremely happy with the system and especially so after installing your upgrades. Samar

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The theory behind my underslung counterweight is quite simple to understand. It's "underslung" such that its main mass has lower centre of gravity as compared to the stock circular counterweight. You would notice in my unique design, not only that the main mass is lowered below the pivot, but in line with cartridge which improves tracking. This  in turn brings about much "unexpected" sonic improvement to your TT. You would be surprised to see how this underslung counterweight works wonder in your system! So far everyone with this upgrade is happy with the result.

Richard Liljak of Canberra also didn't expect too much at first and let's see what he said:

Richard's underslung counterweight upgrade

Hi Michael  I received the underslung counterweight today and was very eager to try it out. Despite reading what other customers had written I wasn’t expecting too much. It was easy to install on my RB300 tonearm of my Rega Planar 3 and then it was onto some listening.  First impression was there is more bass and it has more definition which is true right up to the high frequencies. Further listening made it obvious the soundstage was wider and deeper and more precise placement of instruments and vocals. Electric guitars have more snarl and snap and sound more like guitars!  To sum up I have installed a number of mods to my Planar 3 but this one takes top spot for the most dramatic improvement. Photos attached. Turntable: Rega Planar 3  Cartridge: Denon DL160  Amplifier: Yaqin MC 10T  Phono Amp: Yaqin MS 22B  Rack is a hardware shelving unit capable of holding 250kgs per shelf  White thing under turntable is a cement paver  Might contact you again soon for the next upgrade!!  Thanks again  Richard Update further comments from Richard recently: "I love the fine adjustment screw which made it easy to adjust the cartridge to the correct VTF."

Richard's second upgrade : " .. Everything I have played has never sounded so good.."

Top bracing, Aluminium sub-platter and silicone belt

Hi Michael, I have my new amplifier and I can say my system is sounding better than it ever has. It is hard to write this because it’s difficult to isolate the effect of your upgrades. I do want to thank you for the instructions which were easy to follow, I’m not a technical person but even I could do them by closely following the instructions.  My first upgrade was the underslung counterweight which made a big difference to the music and seemed to let through more of the music to the speakers. Suddenly some LPs I had which were so dense they sounded like one homogenised sound began to separate and sounds like a unison of different instruments.  With the second set of upgrades – the upper brace, the aluminium sub platter and the silicon belt it’s like those instruments have been pulled forward from the speakers and they have more definition. Saxophones sound more breathy, guitars sounds more guitar and drums have more snap and impact. My taste in music varies from rock, alternative to jazz and world music and everything I have played has never sounded so good.  Before I came across your website I had upgraded the motor to the Rega made external PSU and had the Incognito rewiring kit installed which both made a difference but your upgrades take the performance of the Rega to a whole new level. It is like having a new and much improved turntable.  I thank you for developing these upgrades which have allowed me to get more enjoyment out of listening to my LP collection.  Richard

Thanks, Richard!

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When it comes to tweaking turntable, many would ask what should I do first? What is the order of importance?

There are many schools of thoughts actually - quite subjective sometimes. But we just have to bear in mind, this is a hobby; a wonderfully hobby that we enjoy music, enjoy tweaking or enjoy both music and tweaking........, so there's no right or wrong in what we do. 

We might be a bit "nuts" as a friend has just told me. So be it, as long as we are happy!

Besides my own tweaking experience, many have also documented and shared with us in this blog their exciting journey in tweaking. Each system is unique in its own way. But as a whole, they serve as good reference for you who are joining in the fun!

Sharing with you here Juan Vega(from Mexica City)'s "upgrade 1" for his P3 TT:

Hi Michael, Finally had the time to install the upgrades for my Rega P3, aluminum sub-platter; aluminum legs, and silicone belt.  Two important things I wanted to share with you and your followers:  a) indeed very easy to install, I had my doubts due to the fact that I am not that technically savvy but if I can do it, anybody can; and  b) indeed a sonic improvement, tighter bass, and a noticed a welcomed gain that translated into a better soundstage, this with my favorite drum recording of Morello and Take Five.  Now thinking of upgrade 2. Thanks again, and all the best.  Attached a couple of pictures of my Rega P3 with updates.                                                              Juan,  Mexico City

Thanks, Juan!

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Many TT owners are sceptical about tweaking turntables. Other than to hear it for yourself, sometimes it's hard to be convinced just by the theory behind. But sure you can imagine the difference between a plain cake and another one with cherry on top!

Here's the feedback and pictures from F- H of Paris: 

Hello Michael, I have received and installed the double pulley on my Rega P3. I had a short listening cession last night with two LPs : Miles Davis Kind of Blue and Archie Shepp Africa Blues. I confirm the double pulley is a great upgrade, the cherry on top of the cake ! Music is more “fluid” with a better timing, probably because of an improved speed accuracy and better belt-sub platter grip.  As requested some pictures for your blog. Thank you so much. Best regards F- H from Paris

Thanks, F- H !

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Sharing with you here the Marc Walter's Rega P3-24 TT with the following upgrades:

Acrylic platter, rubber-cork mat, dual pulley, silicone belts, aluminium sub-platter, serrated 3-points spacer, motor isolation base, thrust bearing and aluminium feet.

Hi Michael, I received your package yesterday and have installed all the components.  First impression - oh yeah!  Massive increase in base response. In fact, when I put Dark Side of the Moon on (180 gm repress) I noticed a whole new layer of sound that I had never picked up before. And I have been listening to this album for years. The sound leaps off the TT and is tight, controlled and very responsive.  I did notice a shimmering when playing vinyl straight off the platter but with the cork/rubber mat this goes away as well.  Thank you for your ingenious engineering and for letting others join in your benefits for a very reasonable price.....  My girlfriend, who usually laughs at my audiophile antics, flatly told me that the record player sounds so much better now. As you said - hearing is believing.  I will send you some pics over the weekend.  Best Wishes, Marc, Australia

  Pictures: courtesy of Marc Walter of Brisbane, Australia 

Acrylic Platter and rubber-cork mat upgrades

Aluminium sub-platter, dual pulley,
silicone belts and serrated 3-point spacer upgrades

Motor isolation base, thrust bearing 
and aluminium feet upgrades 

Thanks, Marc!

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Francisco from Holland had recently done something terrific to his Rega P3-24 TT. Guess what, he had given up Rega TT's "slim look" and went for "heavyweight"!

When he first communicated with me on his project, I told him very frankly that so far I haven't tried anything heavier than the 51mm (2") fiberboard mentioned in my earlier post. Birch ply plinth? Read about it and its sonic improvement in quite a number of places. Indeed, very tempted to try it out myself one of these days.

Yes, it would definitely sound different as many have claimed. But how different .... ?

Let's take a look at Francisco's "heavyweight" marine ply birch plinth for his P3-24. It seemed to be a "no sweat" project for him as he has completed it real fast. He has also sent me some pictures of his new TT to share with other enthusiast around the world.

Thanks, Francisco!

And here's his invaluable experience:

" the final result is astounding to say the least, i was really not expecting this much difference. just to give you an idea my wife that could not care less about hi-fi, was the first time that she sat down and listened,and made remarks for that matter, all positive also.  the plinth was made from five layers of marine ply birch, and veneered with real wedge African wood, the veneer is 6mm all round ,so is a very heavy , sturdy and solid plinth, as for the people that say that you can't have both the PRaT and timing of regas and the detail, subterranean bass and image focus at the same time ,.....well i so which they could be here to prove them wrong.  i am really a converted to the sound of heavy plinths,in good fairness the base is still rega parts , with of course your parts also, i am now really convinced that the plinth is really the weak link in the rega sound, of course in relation to price also.  i am sorry if i am going to be over the top , but i think that at the moment and having heard some of them at that price ,i can compare my turntable to some costing between 3000 , and maybe going to 4000,5000 euros. i know it's difficult to believe , but it's sounding that good.  to give you an example, i was listening to some jazz album , and noted what i taught was a truck passing by, well it wasn't, i have turned the same music on the same album again, and there it was, real sub bass information, you know how am i shure, ....once more my wife also noted the same. simply beautiful, as you have noticed by now, i am over the top happy with my new diy turntable.  this is one to keep, i wish you could hear it.   i applied a mix of two ''schools'' of thinking, for one the heavy mass plinth approach , for another one the rega ''thinking'' that the motor should be near the subplatter for more accurate turning, so i ''diged'' a hole nearby the subplatter at exactly the same distance as the rega is, and at exactly the same depth that it was when decoupled with your isolation base, also an advantage is that it got more ''compact'' for transport and maintenance. with the heavy plinth i feel like all parts are working to a maximum required,the subplatter for example turns even more smoothly , in fact i almost can't tell it is turning , even when looking nearby and the tonearm is rock solid on the plinth.... i am now officially done , otherwise my wife is going to freak out !"  Francisco

For those who are considering changing not only the slim look, but looking for improvement on sound as well, hope this is a good reference for you.

Good luck in trying ......

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Rega P3-24 TT is known to have a low vibration motor compared to the Planar TT and lower series of Rega TT's. In that case, is motor isolation base necessary? Will there be any improvement on P3-24?

Yes, definitely! I have personally done this tweak on my P3-24 TT and P5 TT with big improvement.

ISOLATION - an important concept in all expensive turntables is the whole idea of this tweak.


Here's the isolation base tweak for P3-24 TT by Francisco of Netherlands and let's hear his comments:

Pictures : courtesy of Francisco of Netherlands

Rega P3-24 with motor isolation base 

Isolation : Motor isolation base and aluminium feet 
                      

Isolation : 3-points VTA spacer 

Hi Michael, received friday the isolation outboard for the motor and the spacer, very good manufacturing once more, the isolation base is really solid and very heavy, you really feel like you're getting your money's worth for shure.  i just finished installing them and, wow,.. the difference was even more readily discernible than with the pulley and double belts, noticed an immediate improvement in levels of detail, and much deeper, and expansive bass, sound is more controlled also, so you do get a deeper bass but also a bit faster than before, which can only be a good thing for rega lovers, very black background, noise is now non existent.  so all in all, thank you once more for giving me the opportunity of lifting my rega to new heights, your candy store for rega owners is getting sweeter and sweeter. thanks a lot best regards from the netherlands ,  francisco  send a couple of fotos from completed tweaks, mounting them was a breeze.

An idea from Francisco :

i personally found it a bit softer to mount the motor than the hard steel washers normally used, and if you put a bit more of strength on it, they will be just as tight against the motor, or even tighter than the steel washers,... but without so much compression on the flanges of the motor, works better for isolation also, (just an idea). i personally found it a bit softer to mount the motor than the hard steel washers normally used, and if you put a bit more of strength on it, they will be just as tight against the motor, or even tighter than the steel washers,... but without so much compression on the flanges of the motor, works better for isolation also, (just an idea).

Thanks Francisco for the nice pictures and your great idea!

Read more >> Francisco's other tweaks ......

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Both my wife and I couldn't help but burst into laughters reading the email from Franciso of Netherlands :

"Hello Michael ,

first and foremost dank you for a site that is like a candy store for us , rega owners . must complete, and good prices also......."

Hahaha .... CANDY ? Ya..Ya... gonna make your music taste sweeter .....

Make a guess ... what was Francisco's first grasp from my candy store?

A proud owner of Rega P3-24 TT from Netherlands, the Land of Tulips, he cleverly picked double pulley, silicone belts and aluminium feet for his Rega with Ortofon Blue. Good choice indeed!

Lucky for him, mail to Netherlands seemed to be fast (compared to US). Upon receiving the items, Francisco was quick to install them and tested his TT immediately . Truly satisfied with the sonic improvements, he sent me not only beautiful pictures, but a video link for me to share with you here.

Enjoy - music from Caverna magica album by Andreas Vollenweider

Pictures and link : courtesy of Francisco

Francisco (spotted him walking around?) and his system

LFD zero mk4 signature amplifier, Avalon NP2.0 evolution loudspeakers,

AVI S21MC cd player, Graham Era Gold V with PSU-1 phonostage

Rega P3-24 with Ortofon Blue

double pulley + silicone belts + aluminium feet

Another video : Nat King Cole - After Midnight

Francisco's feedback on the upgrades :

" Hello Michael, i just finished mounting the double pulley upgrade, plus silicone belts, en aluminium feet, what can i say that hasn't been said. -the first i noticed is that the motor runs smoother, and is not a little difference, is immediately noticeable so much that if I hadn't seen the subplatter spinning i wouldn't know it was on already, that's how smooth it turns, with that comes also much more torque and precision, i had noticed already that the rega was a bit slow to come on time, but now it begins spinning almost instantaneously, i am feeling almost like i own a direct drive turntable, with that comes a really low noise floor, a sensation like everything is sounding more effortless, and with more swing to it, the sound is generally speaking more precise, with a bit more deep bass, and especially is easier to listen that the notes start and stop a bit faster, the timing, and drive that is so well known from rega turntables just improves. so all in all very worthwhile upgrades, and very good value for money. i will come back for more. thank you for everything Michael, and best regards from the netherlands francisco da silva

Thank you Francisco and hope my candies will continue to sweeten your days!

Read more >> Francisco's motor isolation base tweak .......

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