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Townshend Rock Mk III table upgrade

I currently own a Townshend Rock Mk III turntable with the modified Rega RB300 tonearm. I am looking to possibly upgrade the turntable. However, I do not know how this particular turntable compares to other turntables sonically. I was looking at a VPI Classic but do not know if that would be a sonic upgrade or not. For those folks familiar with the Townshend table with Rega arm, I would appreciate your assessment of the sonics of this table compared to other tables and what would be an upgrade for me. Thanks
franklin
avguy2
3 posts
 
I believe that is the VTA adjustment lock/release. If you loosen the dial you can move the tonearm base up and down for proper VTA adjustment. It's somewhat cumbersome to use but it does allow you to adjust arm height for different cartridges.
manitunc
795 posts
 
And I assume the little stub thing sticking out the back top of the plinth is an air valve to fill the seismic air bladders. Do you know how to fill those. A regular bicycle pump doesnt work. Also, the flashing light on the front, is that to tell you the bladder needs filling like some of the seismic sinks?
avguy2
3 posts
 
Yes, a flashing red light indicates a need for air. A bicycle pump should work fine but you will need one that has a fitting for a "presta" type valve. You can probably get an adapter at a bicycle shop that will convert the "presta" type valve on the turntable to a standard one that will work with your pump.
manitunc
795 posts
 
I have a pump with a presta female end, but on the table, I dont see that little piece that comes up out of the threaded tube on a presta valve. The one you unscrew to fill and tighten after your done. Is there supposed to be one?
manitunc
795 posts
 
After further research, it seems that the valve is a Woods valve, designed by Dunlop, which was mounted to the tire of choice for road bicycles in the 60s. It can be inflated with a presta type pump fitting, but it works differently. Figures the English would use some obscure part because they feel it is superior to some newer product. Kind of quaint.
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