New Belt for Rega RP1

[cjm123]

Hi everyone,

My Rega RP1 is a year old and I think I heard a rumour that Rega now recommend changing the belt every year? Is this necessary and does anyone have any thoughts on or experience of the merits of the Rega "White" belt versus the normal Rega black belt (or any others on the market) for the RP1:scratch:? The experience of some users on other forums seems variable.:fence:


thanks in anticipation

Chris:cool:

[RichB]

I'd also be interested in trying the white belt on my P3-24.

once this whole Christmas malarky is out of the way I'll be trying a few incremental upgrades including the groovetracer subplatter, counterweight, and delrin platter.

will start with the white belt first though, for 20quud its not a huge amount of money to risk.

[hifi_dave]

You don't need to change the belt every year and that isn't a Rega recommendation. Every five years is about right.

The white belt makes a surprising difference and a great upgrade for 8 quid over the standard black belt. In stock if you fancy one.

As to after market mods - I've tried dozens of them and most sound worse or no different. Rega aren't daft..:doh:

[walpurgis]

You don't need the change the belt unless it's worn out.

[DSJR]

The RP1 has a lightweight platter, so far less heaving to do when starting up. Fixing the motor in place all but cured any wow issues in the older Planar designs, so the way you'd know if the belt was stretched too far is in the platter taking ages to come up to speed.

[cjm123]

My thanks to Dave W and David for your definitive advice and to everyone for their replies:). That is good to know so it seems like it should be OK for quite a while yet as the platter gets up to speed quickly.

Dave W I will give you a call for a "White" belt anyway as it seems like, as you say, a cheap as chips upgrade and I agree that I would not be comfortable with an aftermarket non Rega belt. As a Rega fan I certainly agree that they know what they are doing.

If anyone is interested I will feedback my thoughts once I have given it a listen?

cheers

Chris :glug:

[cjm123]

Hi Guys,

My thanks to HiFi_Dave as the Rega White belt turned up in the post today.Apparently Rega are very busy now and Dave's persistence and patience got it to me in good time for Christmas, so good on you Dave!:cheers:….errrr hope I'm not going to be accused of shilling now, whatever that is?

Not had a chance to try it yet but its colour looks quite different to the one I bought my old P3 2000 some time back.:scratch: It is much "whiter" and with a smoother surface finish than the old one which was almost a cream colour. Anyway the proof of the pudding is in the listening as I guess we say on AOS! I will let you know my thoughts when I get some peace and quiet to listen to it carefully.

with seasons greetings and best wishes for a happy and peaceful New Year to all on AOS!:christmas:

:glug:

Chris

[RichB]

Just put a white belt on my p3-24 yesterday and for the fact that it just seems more taut and has better grip on the subplatter I'd say its a worthwhile improvement. Definitely a bit more detail coming out of the deck and the bass seems punchier.

[cjm123]

Hi guys,

Well sorry for the delay but I finally got a chance to try my new Rega White belt, with thanks to HiFi_dave :cheers:, on my Rega RP1 in peace and quiet. First thing of note is that it is much quieter in operation than the standard Black belt. Second I would support RichB's comments (for which many thanks) on his experiences with his P3/24. I would add that images in the soundstage seem weightier and more solid and its easier to follow the layers of the mix as they fade in and out and hear detailed phrasing and nuances especially on instrument solos.The White Belt seems to lower the noise floor making it easier to follow the lyrics/music.:thumbsup:

I was somewhat sceptical at first but but it seems Rega really do know what they are doing (at this point I should say that I have nothing to do with the Rega company but confess to being a fan of Rega gear) and it is the best £20 squid worth I have ever had in hifi and makes a refreshing change in this era of mega bucks gear! I'm one happy New Year bunny!:)

Wishing a happy and peaceful New Year to all

Chris