The Rega RB300 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.
In most cases it is advisable that the dealer fits this arm to your turntable. If the user fits the arm and causes any damage to the arm, cartridge or turntable then obviously it is his responsibility. If the dealer does this then it is his responsibility. He should also be able to advise should there be any subsequent problems with the rest of the system.
The following instructions are for the dealer.
PREPARING THE TURNTABLE
Before attempting to fit the Rega arm to a 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. The arm requires a minimum clearance of 70 mm from the top of the record to the bottom of the arm assembly.
Having checked that there is sufficient clearance in all directions 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:
1.The template should be kept flat and not bent.
2.Fit the hole over the record centre spindle of the turntable.
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 250 mm clearance from the arm hole centre to the inside front edge of the turntable lid.
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 the arm hole centre on the turntable.
5.Having marked the centre, check again that if the arm is placed in this position it will clear the underside 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 one hundred per cent certain that the arm hole centre is in its correct position (exactly 222 mm from the record centre) you can then drill the arm hole.
6.The arm mounting pillar is 23 mm diameter and a hole of this size will provide a tight, snug fit.
7.With the hole drilled, all is ready to fit the arm to the turntable. Ensure that you also follow the turntable manufacturer's instruc tions regarding arm fitting. Each individual turntable manufacturer may have different requirements regarding positioning of the arm signal lead, etc.
ARM HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
The arm is supplied with one stainless steel spacer to increase the height of the arm As a dealer you should also have some spare spacers in stock.
The arm is designed so that the rear of the arm should be as close to the arm mounting board as possible On the Rega Planar 3 and the Linn Sondek turntables no spacers should be necessary and none should be fitted. On some other models of turntable it may be necessary to use between one and three spacers to achieve the correct height If more than three spacers are necessary then it is a better solution that the turntable manufacturer or the dealer make up one single spacer of the correct height This should be made from stainless steel and the faces touching the arm and arm board should be accurately machined flat.
The arm height is correct when the arm appears to be parallel to the record or appears to slope downwards slightly away from the cartridge The only limit to the arm sloping backwards is if the cartridge tends to touch warped records
Under no circumstances adjust the arm to achieve a hypothetical correct V T A (vertical tracking angle) for the cartridge
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