Hi, happy New Year to all you disc spinners, I posted some stuff about my old Rega Planar 3 some time ago. I fitted the modified motor mount sticky pads, and Aluminium pulley and a little Blue Belter drive belt. cleaned and re oiled the bearing, and fitted an Ortofon Blue cartridge, Although Roy Gandy says there is no need to adjust the VTA, I shimmed the arm up to be level when in the playing position and lastly an Origin Live mat. Excellent sound but some wow now and again on some inner tracks and some motor noise at higher volumes
I was reluctant to spend any more money on a 35 + year old deck, so rather than sell it I put it into retirement. and dived head first into direct drive, a AT-LP5 turntable ( I could not afford the latest Planar 3 ) fitted with the AT-95E cartridge. based on reviews. Well it really surprised me, superb sound scape, no wow and no detectable motor noise and hum free. It plays way above its price point and every bit as good if not better than my old Planar 3. I didn't think the Ortofon Blue sounded any better than AT95E
It makes you wonder what cartridge up grade would work, I acknowledge that the arm will be the limiting factor, but in my opinion it could easily handle a modest upgrade.
Pete