What mechanicals

davecooper · 22nd August 2010, 04:42 PM

My "winter" project is going to a be a turntable build. The final design will be dependant on mechanicals but I am not sure what to base it on. The most obvious is Rega as there seem to be plenty of motors, bearings and sub platters around for sale. Before I jump in and start collecting the bits together, are there better options out there that would be worth waiting for?

sq225917 · 22nd August 2010, 06:01 PM

The Linn bearing and subplatter are made to better tolerances than the Rega ones. The Rega sub-platter is barely round. I measured a few when I was making a DIY deck and they were all more than 1/100 out at a couple of points around the circumference.

The Linn Subplatter does tie you into a Linn platter however.

davecooper · 23rd August 2010, 07:05 AM

Linn bits may be a bit more difficult to source. Does anyone know anything about the mechanicals of the Thorens TD280. I know this was not one of Thorens "great decks" but I believe it had a reasonable drive system.

davecooper · 26th August 2010, 06:50 AM

I'm now looking at Thorens TD150 mechanicals as these turntables seem to appear in varying states quite regularly. Is there anything I should be aware of with these? What are the differences between the MkI and the MkII?

davecooper · 1st September 2010, 01:46 PM

For a number of reasons, but mainly supply, I have decided to base this build around Rega mechanicals. However, unlike the Rega, it will be a suspended subchassis design. My only issue is the motor. I am considering manufacturing an aluminium adapter ring to allow a Thorens TD150/160 platter to be used on the Rega sub platter. Bearing in mind that these platters are over 3Kg in weight, will a recent Rega motor struggle with this? Although I have the option of a 1979 Rega 2 motor, I was really looking for a later one. Has the motor changed much since 1979. (Forgetting the latest low vibration upgrade).

22nd August 2010, 04:42 PM	#1
davecooper diyAudio Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Ulverston in Cumbria	What mechanicals My "winter" project is going to a be a turntable build. The final design will be dependant on mechanicals but I am not sure what to base it on. The most obvious is Rega as there seem to be plenty of motors, bearings and sub platters around for sale. Before I jump in and start collecting the bits together, are there better options out there that would be worth waiting for?

22nd August 2010, 06:01 PM	#2
sq225917 diyAudio Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: sheffield	The Linn bearing and subplatter are made to better tolerances than the Rega ones. The Rega sub-platter is barely round. I measured a few when I was making a DIY deck and they were all more than 1/100 out at a couple of points around the circumference. The Linn Subplatter does tie you into a Linn platter however. __________________ hoping to pick up some things.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

New To Site?	Need Help?
Register to Participate Search Privacy Statement Contact Us	Frequently Asked Questions Did you forget your password? Mark Forums Read


	Please consider donating to help us continue to serve you. Ads on/off / Custom Title / More PMs / More album space / Advanced printing & mass image saving

23rd August 2010, 07:05 AM	#3
davecooper diyAudio Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Ulverston in Cumbria	Linn bits may be a bit more difficult to source. Does anyone know anything about the mechanicals of the Thorens TD280. I know this was not one of Thorens "great decks" but I believe it had a reasonable drive system.

26th August 2010, 06:50 AM	#4
davecooper diyAudio Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Ulverston in Cumbria	I'm now looking at Thorens TD150 mechanicals as these turntables seem to appear in varying states quite regularly. Is there anything I should be aware of with these? What are the differences between the MkI and the MkII?

1st September 2010, 01:46 PM	#5
davecooper diyAudio Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Ulverston in Cumbria	For a number of reasons, but mainly supply, I have decided to base this build around Rega mechanicals. However, unlike the Rega, it will be a suspended subchassis design. My only issue is the motor. I am considering manufacturing an aluminium adapter ring to allow a Thorens TD150/160 platter to be used on the Rega sub platter. Bearing in mind that these platters are over 3Kg in weight, will a recent Rega motor struggle with this? Although I have the option of a 1979 Rega 2 motor, I was really looking for a later one. Has the motor changed much since 1979. (Forgetting the latest low vibration upgrade).

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)