Rega RB808 User Manual

Introduction

The RB808 tonearm is packed with new features once again pushing
the boundaries of tonearm design. As with all Rega tonearms each one
is meticulously hand assembled by a team of highly skilled technicians.
The RB808 offers a brand new low mass precision engineered
vertical bearing assembly, improved bearings and a tightened spindle
fit tolerance over previous models (each bearing is individually
selected to find the perfect match for the chosen spindle). This is a
proven method of increasing the amount of detail retrieved from the
record surface. The RB808 uses the latest Rega arm tube redesigned
to redistribute mass further reducing stresses and resonances. The
hand assembled Rega RB808 tonearm is a precision crafted product.
To create the low friction levels and meet minimum mass
requirements, many parts of the arm are delicate and require careful
handling. The arm should always be treated with respect and under no
circumstances should any part be removed or tampered with.

Arm balancing and setup

With the cartridge correctly mounted and with the stylus guard
removed, ensure that the tracking force dial and Bias adjustment are

set to zero. Adjust the balance weight until the arm is “floating” with

the stylus approximately 1mm clear of the record. Note: It is normal
for the arm to swing back towards the arm clip position even with the
bias set at zero. Therefore it is advisable to gently hold the arm
bearing carrier (just below the tracking dial) thus preventing
horizontal movement during the balancing procedure.

Applying tracking pressure

Once the arm is balanced rotate the tracking force adjustment dial to

the required tracking force. Numbers ‘0’ to ‘3’ are marked on the dial.

If in doubt it is advisable to use a tracking force that corresponds
with the upper limits of the cartridge manufacturer’s range.

Applying Anti - Skating (bias) adjustment

Set the bias adjustment slider to the same figure as the cartridge
tracking force pressure quoted by your cartridge manufacturer.
Note: This is not critical and a figure between 1.0 & 1.5 will normally be
suitable for moving magnet cartridges and 1.5 & 2.0 for most moving
coil cartridges.

0

Fully extended 0.0 First position 1.0 Second Position 2.0

Simply push the slider in to the required anti skating setting .Your arm
is now balanced, setup and ready to use. If you have any doubts
regarding installation or setup please contact your official Rega
dealer who will be able to carry out the work for you. Thank you for
purchasing this Rega product and we wish you many hours of musical
enjoyment.

1

2

www.rega.co.uk

Made in England

Balance Weight

Protractor and
arm mounting
data included.

Names of Tonearm parts

Tracking Dial

Cueing device
lift/lower handle

Cueing

Platform

Arm Clip

6

Finger lift

Headshell

Fitting your Tonearm

The RB808 will directly replace any other Rega tonearm that
currently uses the 3 point mounting without any modification. If fitting
to another manufacturers product or an older Rega turntable (with
the single point nut fixing) the supplied template should be used as a
guide to ensure correct position and alignment. With so many variants
in turntable models it is important to contact your turntable
manufacturer if in any doubt before making any holes in plinths or arm
boards. Before attempting to fit the RB808 arm to the turntable it is
important to ensure that there is sufficient clearance beneath the
turntable and that the arm does not hit the lid, top or sides. Having
checked that there is sufficient clearance in all directions (including
the maximum potential arm movement horizontal and vertical). The
next step is to find the position of the centre of the arm mounting hole.
The easiest way to do this will probably be to use the arm mounting
template supplied.

Arm mounting template guide

The supplied template is for mounting Rega three point fixing arms to
other manufacturers turntables. N.B protractor for cartridge
alignment is also printed on the same template.

1. The template should be kept flat and not bent. The distance between
the centre of the spindle and the centre of the arm hole is critical and
must be 222mm. This template will help you check your positioning
before you attempt fitting and drilling.

3. Position the other end of the template so that the clearance arc is
within the rear and side edges of the turntable base (and the lid when
closed). Also check that there is at least 250mm clearance from the
centre of the hole to the inside front of the turntable.

4. Use a long pointed probe such as a needle and push it through the

‘arm hole centre’ on the template. Keep the needle perpendicular to

the template and mark the position of centre on the turntable.

5. Having marked the centre, check again that if the arm is placed in
this position it will clear the under side of the turntable and the lid.
Also, check that the arm is in a satisfactory position to ensure easy
operation and that the position is pleasing aesthetically. When you are
certain that the arm hole centre is in its correct position (exactly
222mm from the record centre) you can drill the required arm hole.

6. The arm mounting pillar requires a diameter of 25mm which will
provide adequate clearance for accurate fitting. You can then drill the
three screw mounting holes as illustrated on the template. Make sure
the arm is straight and the holes are correctly aligned before drilling.

7. With the holes drilled, you are now ready to fit the arm to the

turntable. Ensure that you also follow the turntable manufacturer’s

instructions regarding arm fitting. Each individual turntable
manufacturer may have different requirements regarding positioning
of the arm signal lead.