Rega Planar 3 upgrades help.


Hi guys, i got a local deal cash on a Rega Planar 3 mint condition for $200. I would like to bring this table to a diferent level of performance. I think i will enjoy the upgrade process. I just want to follow what others had done. I do really appreciate if you take your time to share some experiences.
I am considering no necessarily in this order.
GT reference SP.
GT Delrin Platter.
Rega reference white belt.
Motor kit upgrade.

Thank you all.


128x128mountainsong
Some Rega owners like the sound of the stock glass platter, others prefer either of the two GT platters. They are very well made, and relatively reasonably priced.
I have run a Planar 3 for 15 years.My best upgrade was the Pete Rigglo VTA adjustment which houses the arm in bronze.The ability to adjust the VTA to match an LP is by far better than all the other upgrades I installed but you have to drill out the plinth for it.The next best thing is to put brass weights between the arm and the platter which I posted before Rega actually did it to on their newer model underneath the plinth.My Planar 3 with the sub platter,belt and counter weight upgrades out performs CD reissues,Lp reissues of 50 year old music on my original LP pressings.I would not buy another turntable without the ability to adjust the VTA.
I would go this path......Tango spinner pulley, feet and subplatter...$165.00. Michell VTA adjustment. $35.00. That is $200 worth of upgrades and reasonable for the Rega. 

Then try out various mats compared with no mat.

And, yes, a good MC cartridge will go a long way to increase your enjoyment!

Another cheap tweak is to buy $10 worth of dynamat and apply it to the bottom of the plinth.

This is a great table to have a lot of fun with and you should enjoy all the options available. Down the road you might even consider making your own plinth, or having a local cabinet maker create one for you. This can be done very reasonably and may address one of the weakest points of the table.

Yes, in the end you might end up replacing many of the tables parts but it can be great fun going down this path with you ending up with a table of your own creation!

Enjoy!!!!!!