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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
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.
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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.
nrchy's avatar
nrchy
2,124 posts
 
Unless the RB 300 is different than the RB 900 there is no DIN into which you can plug a better/new cable. The RB 900 is hardwired. I would agree with the first post. Lauerman is the place to start. Unless of course you have the upgrade bug. I hear the Rockport turntable is very nice and even at $75,000 some people considered it a good deal!
twl
3,251 posts
 
There is a DIN available from Galen Carol Audio that must be soldered in place at the base of the arm post. It goes on all rega arms, but you have to cut and solder. DIN is made by Cardas. Will fit your RB300 as well as Nrchy's RB900. Repeat: you have to cut your arm cable, and solder the Cardas DIN on.
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