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RS A1 Labs rewire

I once read a thread here whereby someone had done a rewire on their
RS A1 Labs stock tone arm resulting in an improved sound. I have had this arm
for several years and replaced the stock wire with same from the factory. I have tried but have never found a wire light enough to replace it with for an upgrade
in sound . I also understand that they went from cartridge leads straight to
the pre amp inputs. I would appreciate it if anyone can shed some light on this.

Thanks
guygus
lewm
13,169 posts
 
I've used the A-M systems teflon-coated silver wire in 0.5mm diameter. It's a bear to work with, unless you have excellent vision, but the results are superb. I think the Acrotec would be great, too, but I fear I would not be able to see it well enough to solder it. One slight drawback to the very thin silver wire is that it tends to melt at or near to the same temperature that melts silver solder. You've got to make your solder joints quickly.
dopogue
1,773 posts
 
Almost totally OT, but if anyone is having trouble placing the arm in the groove and picking it up at the end, I found a gum massager (seriously) at the local CVS that really helped. Has an angled head and rubber tip. Just FYI. I borrowed this arm for a month and loved its sound but ultimately found it too much to cope with, ergonomically. The gum massager helped, though :-)
lewm
13,169 posts
 
Dave, You're not supposed to cue the RS-A1 with your teeth.
dopogue
1,773 posts
 
So THAT was the problem I was having! Live and learn. No, for the slow learners out there (sorry), you use the gum massager to hook the, er, hook on the RS-A1. A lot easier for me at least than using a finger. Dave
maxson
81 posts
 
Sounds like the Acrotec would be just as hard to work with as the A-M stuff, given that it's 46 ga vs. 41 ga. At least it's copper, which melts at around 200 F. higher.
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