New Rega Planar 3 MM Cart recommendations

OK....so picked up the P3 today....not sure but it looks like it may have been played before.  The dealer and I both unwrapped it together and there fingermarks and hairline scratches all over the black plinth.  And then we noticed a large scratch on the cover.  I sent Rega USA an email with pictures.  Not too impressed at this point but they are just cosmetic.  I get it hooked up and noticed right away a hum even when the turntable wasn't turning.  I disconnected the left channel and it went away?  Any ideas?

Thanks

Gary

Update...I disconnected the power of the TT and the hum is still there on the phono channel of the amp so now I'm wondering if it's something the Rega Brio?
Taking everything back to the store tomorrow and buy an mp3 player:)

The hum is probably not coming from the electronics of the table.  You might have a broken ground inside the arm.  Rega solders the ground wire to the inside of the arm tube.

Make sure all the headshell (armtube) wires are tight onto the pins of the cartridge.  Even though the cart was preinstalled, you never know.  Double check the left channel wire/pins since the hum went away once you disconnected it.

First of all - you should not accept a cosmetically defective product unless the dealer offers you a substantial discount.  Personally, I would not accept it at all.  I bought a demo Basis from a dealer and it was in absolutely mint condition, so you certainly should expect that from a new product.  As to the hum - the dealer should be dealing with that.  When you buy new from a dealer, part of the price is service and support.  Have the dealer fix it.  Period.  Good luck and I'm sorry your early analog experience was negative.  Hopefully your dealer will iron things out for you and you will be enjoying vinyl.  (or not)  

chayro

 ... you should not accept a cosmetically defective product unless the dealer offers you a substantial discount. Personally, I would not accept it at all ...  As to the hum - the dealer should be dealing with that. When you buy new from a dealer, part of the price is service and support. Have the dealer fix it. Period.

That's good advice. Regarding the cosmetic defects, I wouldn't deal with Rega directly on that - let the dealer manage it.