Rega ACOS restoration project

[Gordon Steadman]

It certainly sounded a bit strange to me.

The music was unfamiliar which didn't help but there definitely seemed to be considerable wow going on.

[The Barbarian]

I have a boxed Rega 'Planet' Turntable/Colton 'MC-101' Arm in time-warp condition. i keep this for historical purposes but that's about it.

[DSJR]

Take off the glass platter, remove the belt and replace the glass. Give it a spin and see how long it takes to run down to stationary. It should be a good while, gradually creeping to a standstill. This occurs to both Planar 2 and 3 models. if the platter spins ok but comes to a stop fairly quickly, you've lost your ball sir The bottom edge of the bearing spindle is radiused and runs surprisingly well without the ball in situ.

'Knocking' motor on startup - Quite normal on all Regas with suspended motors. With a new belt fitted, running up and down the inner hub is common too when running. BOTH these artifacts disappear as the belt polishes in and eventually, an old belt loses grip and startup takes an age.

By the way, I know the arm was called a Rega Lustre, but the R200 has a bit more in common with the Pioneer PL71 tonearm than the Acos arm. I think the earliest Planets (and Planars?) had an Acos-like tonearm fitted, but this was a bit before my time with this brand I'm afraid (I came to the brand just after the Planar 3 was launched - 1976?).

[orbscure]

Many thanks for the feedback chaps... in a perverse sort of way, its good to have my suspicions confirmed.

As far as I'm aware, didn't these early Rega decks just have a bronze bush bearing which needed a couple of drops of lubrication? I wasn't aware that there was a bearing in the bottom! Also, as seen here these vintage 1973 decks didn't have a glass platter, just the arrangement seen via the link. I'm going to allow it to run for 24 hours and see if that makes any difference...

There is also a more or less identical one listed on eBay here...

Cheers
Pete

[guy]

There is also a more or less identical one listed on eBay here...

Cheers
Pete

wee bit optimistic on pricing?

oh well, we will see if it gets bought.

[guy]

Many thanks for the feedback chaps... in a perverse sort of way, its good to have my suspicions confirmed.

As far as I'm aware, didn't these early Rega decks just have a bronze bush bearing which needed a couple of drops of lubrication? I wasn't aware that there was a bearing in the bottom! Also, as seen here these vintage 1973 decks didn't have a glass platter, just the arrangement seen via the link. I'm going to allow it to run for 24 hours and see if that makes any difference...


Cheers
Pete

I would have put money on there being a bearing. But if not, how does the bush look ?

[orbscure]

Its difficult to say Guy... its just appears to be a sealed bronze bush set into the deck. Two drops of turntable oil and away she goes...

With regards the example seen on eBay at the moment, when they get listed (which I don't think is very often) I've seen them go for between £120 to £250... so £325 does seem a tad excessive. Proof will be if it sells...

[DSJR]

It's worth checking with Rega on this, but as far as I'm aware, their main bearing is and has always been (since Planar 2 anyway, and possibly excluding the RP1), a polished stainless? steel shaft running in a precision brass sleeve/well, which has a concave bottom to take the ball. As I said above, the shaft has a rounded edge and this will run in the bearing fairly well, albeit slightly stiffly. The ball is a stock size and easily obtained.

Rega used to be able to supply belts for the Planet. I hope this is still the case.

[Audio Al]

It does sound strange , could you do a video with some vocals something we will all know ?

[orbscure]

I'm not sure it is David, having just shone a torch down inside, it appears to be solid brass. Here is the best image I can grab with my iPhone:

http://i589.photobucket.com/albums/s...ps3ba40b89.jpg

It appears to be concave at the bottom and there is no ball bearing present... so perhaps this could be why its running like it is? Perhaps something like this is worth sourcing?