2. analog
  3. 1026168316

RB300 tonearm cable upgrade?

I have a Rega Planar 3 with the factory supplied RB300 tonearm and microbenz silver MC cartridge. I have heard that the RB300 is a very decent tonearm given the price, but I am concerned that the cable which is supplied with the tonearm is poor quality and doesn't have a ground wire like most of the better quality arms I am familiar with. I have recently purchased an Aloia 13.01 amp which I will mate with my ARC SP-9 and B&W 802 Matrix 3 speakers. I use Kimber cable (biwired) and Tara Labs interconnects. Any opinions on the cable issue? Should I consider spending money to upgade the cable, change to a better tonearm, or look at trading the entire turntable for a better table such as the Rega 9.

I would appreciate any feedback. Thanks,

Howard
howbell
jond's avatar
jond
5,833 posts
 
Lauerman Imports, Rega's importer offers the Icognito Rewire upgrade and they'll honor your warranty if they do the install for you. It is Cardas litz wiring and it's been favorably reviewed in a number of pubs including Michael Fremer in Sterophile. Also I think it only costs like $2-300. Good luck!
twl
3,251 posts
 
I 2nd the Incognito wire above. Also, Galen Carol audio has Origin Live wiring mods, including a Cardas DIN connector which fits into the bottom of the arm post. He also has on a special sale, the Audience phono cable with DIN plug to fit. He can do the installation too. I think that he has the Audience cable at around half price. Don't know how long the sale price will be offered.
ohlala
1,236 posts
 
Personally, if the cost is $200-300, I would trade for a better TT. The tonearm is already the best thing about Planar 3, and blah, blah, blah. But I am not clued in on the practical side of your potential upgrade, so I take my opinion for whatever you think it is worth.
Post removed 
twl
3,251 posts
 
Also, I might add that setting the tracking force to 3 grams(which is the factory setting for bypassing the tracking force adjuster), and using a scale to set your VTF, by moving the counterweight, will give better sound. This is because in the Rega RB300 arms, the spring that provides the tracking force, also causes a vibration in the tonearm. Bypassing the spring will give better sound. This has been tried and found true by many Rega owners for years.
More to discover