TT Modifications! Are they worth investigating?

[Johnny Vinyl]

Would it be worth my while to consider getting something like the Rega RB251 tonearm mounted on one of my Revolver TT's? Or would this be a waste of money?

If it is (worth it), does someone know of any TT modders out there? I've seen this arm mounted on a Revolver before (can't remember where though), so I know it's possible to get modded.

Any input is greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

John

[FreddieFerric]

Originally Posted by John72953

Would it be worth my while to consider getting something like the Rega RB251 tonearm mounted on one of my Revolver TT's? Or would this be a waste of money?

If it is (worth it), does someone know of any TT modders out there? I've seen this arm mounted on a Revolver before (can't remember where though), so I know it's possible to get modded.

Any input is greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

John

Did you get the problems you were having with the TT solved John?

[naturephoto1]

Originally Posted by John72953

Would it be worth my while to consider getting something like the Rega RB251 tonearm mounted on one of my Revolver TT's? Or would this be a waste of money?

If it is (worth it), does someone know of any TT modders out there? I've seen this arm mounted on a Revolver before (can't remember where though), so I know it's possible to get modded.

Any input is greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

John

Hi John,

Modifications of the older Rega RB250 and to a lesser extent the Rega RB300 tonearms has lead to an entire cottage industry. In particular, much of this was spear headed by Mark Baker of Origin Live Turntables and Tonearms. Mark and others have had so much success in these modifications that Origin Live now (and for quite a number of years) offers its own arms developed from this research. Some of the Origin Live Tonearms are now some of the finest and most expensive tonearms made.

So yes, a stock Rega RB251 or better a modified Rega arm would most definitely be worth consideration as including those modified by Origin Live or even better one of the Origin Live Tonearms themselves.

http://www.originlive.com/

http://www.tonearm.co.uk/index.htm

http://www.tonearm.co.uk/tonearm.htm

http://www.tonearm.co.uk/silver-tonearm.htm

Rich

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by BluRayFred

Did you get the problems you were having with the TT solved John?

Hi Fred!

Nothing has changed so far, but then I decided to step away from it and take a break so to speak. It appears that next weekend I'll be going over to my buddy's place, where I'll bring both TT's and my amp. I'm hoping for some good news there and will keep you all posted for sure. For some weird reason I truly believe the issue is with the electrical in my building. If next weekend all appears to be normal, then the next step will be to contact the building manager and have them inspect my electrical. I've already mentioned it to them in passing.

John

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by naturephoto1

Hi John,

Modifications of the older Rega RB250 and to a lesser extent the Rega RB300 tonearms has lead to an entire cottage industry. In particular, much of this was spear headed by Mark Baker of Origin Live Turntables and Tonearms. Mark and others have had so much success in these modifications that Origin Live now (and for quite a number of years) offers its own arms developed from this research. Some of the Origin Live Tonearms are now some of the finest and most expensive tonearms made.

So yes, a modified Rega arm would most definitely be worth consideration as including those modified by Origin Live or even better one of the Origin Live Tonearms themselves.

http://www.originlive.com/

http://www.tonearm.co.uk/index.htm

Rich

Thanks Rich! I'm going to check out those links you provided.

If I can find someone who can do this type of modification I'd very very interested to explore such an avenue. As you know, I'm not in a position right now to buy a better TT, but if I can make the most from what I have, then that will quite possibly keep me satisfied for a while. Glad to hear that you think it's worthwhile persuing for my 'vintage" TT's.

John

[naturephoto1]

Originally Posted by John72953

Thanks Rich! I'm going to check out those links you provided.

If I can find someone who can do this type of modification I'd very very interested to explore such an avenue. As you know, I'm not in a position right now to buy a better TT, but if I can make the most from what I have, then that will quite possibly keep me satisfied for a while. Glad to hear that you think it's worthwhile persuing for my 'vintage" TT's.

John

Hi John,

Looking at the photos of the Revolver, I think that most of any modification would entail drilling out the hole to accept a Rega Type mount-sleeve/system. This has become an industry standard. In the future, you could move the arm to a new turntable.

It may be worthwhile sending an e-mail directly to Mark Baker of Origin Live (they are in the UK). He would probably have some good insight and probably is familiar with your turntable. He has responded to a number of my e-mails over the years when I considered getting his turntables and arms prior to my decision to purchase my Teres system.

Rich

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by naturephoto1

Hi John,

Looking at the photos of the Revolver, I think that most of any modification would entail drilling out the hole to accept a Rega Type mount-sleeve/system. This has become an industry standard. In the future, you could move the arm to a new turntable.

It may be worthwhile sending an e-mail directly to Mark Baker of Origin Live (they are in the UK). He would probably have some good insight and probably is familiar with your turntable. He has responded to a number of my e-mails over the years when I considered getting his turntables and arms prior to my decision to purchase my Teres system.

Rich

Hi Rich!

You are absolutely correct about that. In fact, that was one of the things mentioned by the owner of the modified Revolver. I also thought about emailing them and am glad to hear that your queries got answered. I will definately be sending one off today.

My only concern is in finding a reliable modder. I am totally unaware of any here in Ontario or even Canada and know of no one in the U.S. either, although I'm sure there are. I've done some searches, but have yet to find any modders, other than DJ TT mods. And I'm not sure I would entrust them with even my very old Revolver.

All of this is just a thought in my mind at the moment, but I wanted to know if the option was a viable one and worth implementing. It appears that it may very well be.

John

[naturephoto1]

Originally Posted by John72953

Hi Rich!

You are absolutely correct about that. In fact, that was one of the things mentioned by the owner of the modified Revolver. I also thought about emailing them and am glad to hear that your queries got answered. I will definately be sending one off today.

My only concern is in finding a reliable modder. I am totally unaware of any here in Ontario or even Canada and know of no one in the U.S. either, although I'm sure there are. I've done some searches, but have yet to find any modders, other than DJ TT mods. And I'm not sure I would entrust them with even my very old Revolver.

All of this is just a thought in my mind at the moment, but I wanted to know if the option was a viable one and worth implementing. It appears that it may very well be.

John

Hi John,

I do not think that the modification of the Revolver will be that difficult. I suspect that any competent machine shop would be able to do this. Perhaps your audio shop where you were getting the Marantz TT would have someone to recommend, or even they themselves may have someone on staff that could do the work.

As an example, many makers of turntables including Chris Brady of Teres Audio will drill out/prepare mounts for their turntables or mounting systems for arms that they do not normally support.

Rich

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by naturephoto1

Hi John,

I do not think that the modification of the Revolver will be that difficult. I suspect that any competent machine shop would be able to do this. Perhaps your audio shop where you were getting the Marantz TT would have someone to recommend, or even they themselves may have someone on staff that could do the work.

As an example, many makers of turntables including Chris Brady of Teres Audio will drill out/prepare mounts for their turntables or mounting systems for arms that they do not normally support.

Rich

Hi Rich!

I'm going to have to make some inquiries then locally. There are a few audio shops here that still cater significantly to us TT enthusiasts, so hopefully your suggestion will pan out with one of these dealers.

John

[richteer]

Hi John,

I htink that investigating the Rega RB250/251 would be an excellent idea, or the RB300 if you can find one. The Regas have historically been the "go to" arm for budget decks, and their RB300/301 offer particularly good value for money.

I ordered my first TT (a Roksan Xerxes) with a Rega RB300. 20 or so years have dimmed my memory, but I *think* I ordered mine with a rewired arm tube (better cables).

Another mod you could look into is an external PSU. There are a couple of generic 33/45 switchers that will probably make for a worthwhile upgrade.

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by richteer

Hi John,

I htink that investigating the Rega RB250/251 would be an excellent idea, or the RB300 if you can find one. The Regas have historically been the "go to" arm for budget decks, and their RB300/301 offer particularly good value for money.

I ordered my first TT (a Roksan Xerxes) with a Rega RB300. 20 or so years have dimmed my memory, but I *think* I ordered mine with a rewired arm tube (better cables).

Another mod you could look into is an external PSU. There are a couple of generic 33/45 switchers that will probably make for a worthwhile upgrade.

Hi Rich!

I've thought of the RB300/301 as well, but it's quite a bit more than the 250/251. I know it's interchangeable with other tables, but for the Revolver it may be somewhat overkill. Or am I wrong in this thought process?

Is a PSU something that could be added later on if I so chose? Or must that be done at the same time? If it is, then that would most likely well exceed any budget I have at the moment.

John

PS~ Nice to see you Rich...seems like we haven't chatted much lately. Everything good with you? Is the e-mag taking shape and such?

[naturephoto1]

Originally Posted by John72953

Hi Rich!

I've thought of the RB300/301 as well, but it's quite a bit more than the 250/251. I know it's interchangeable with other tables, but for the Revolver it may be somewhat overkill. Or am I wrong in this thought process?

Is a PSU something that could be added later on if I so chose? Or must that be done at the same time? If it is, then that would most likely well exceed any budget I have at the moment.

John

PS~ Nice to see you Rich...seems like we haven't chatted much lately. Everything good with you? Is the e-mag taking shape and such?

Hi John,

If ultimately you decide to perform a modification on a Rega 250/251 (an Origin Live OL1 is I believe an OEM version of the Rega 251; but you can really take the arm to terrific performance [up to about 724 Canadian Dollars], but it adds up) I believe that they are supposed to perform better than a modified Rega 300/301 tonearm.

Rich

[richteer]

Originally Posted by John72953

Hi Rich!

I've thought of the RB300/301 as well, but it's quite a bit more than the 250/251. I know it's interchangeable with other tables, but for the Revolver it may be somewhat overkill. Or am I wrong in this thought process?

It *might* be overkill, but you'll be getting the best out of your Revolver. Also, depdning on what your next TT is, the RB300 could go in it too.

Is a PSU something that could be added later on if I so chose? Or must that be done at the same time? If it is, then that would most likely well exceed any budget I have at the moment.

Yeah, the PSU can be added at any time. Something like this one, or something like it but a bit cheaper.

PS~ Nice to see you Rich...seems like we haven't chatted much lately. Everything good with you? Is the e-mag taking shape and such?

Everything is well here, thanks! Work continues on the ezine. I'm in the process of enrolling for a government-sponsered business planning course. If I get accepted onto the program, my unemployed bum benefits will be paid for another year while I build up the business. One gotcha is that you're not allowed to start the business until you get the official OK from the power that be, so I can't start soliciting ads until then. But I can write the articles and do as much planning and preparation as I want, so right now that's what I'm doing.

[naturephoto1]

Originally Posted by richteer

It *might* be overkill, but you'll be getting the best out of your Revolver. Also, depdning on what your next TT is, the RB300 could go in it too.

Rich,

I used a stock Rega RB300 on my modified Thorens 125 MK11 from around 1980 or 1981? until just last year with very good results. But, as I have mentioned, the Rega RB250/251 are supposed to be better modified than the RB300/301 series tonearms. I replaced the Infinity Black Widow which had been upgraded to the Infinity Black Widow GF tonearm with the Rega RB300 Tonearm.

Rich