Help on setting up Rega Planar 3

Here is the link for the Rega instructions from Rega. Just click on the "download P3 flier" for the pdf...

http://www.rega.co.uk/index2.htm

Rega's use a proprietary alignment tool which is available free online at vinylengine.com.

Howdy, and congrats on the new purchase.

First off (and I'd like others to chime in about this also) is Cartridge installation, and Cartridge alignment.

I'm assuming the Planar 3 with RB-300 Arm uses the Baerwald method of aligning the Cartridge, so some form of decent Protractor/Alignment Gauge is in order.

Mobile Fidelity Sound labs is Back in business with the Geodisc, (About $35-$40) it is a good product, easy to use, not too costly. Perhaps others will make other recommendations of something as good, but less expensive?

Next, is going to be Tracking Force. Again here, don't rely on either Eyeball, or Tonearm Calibrations, as they will be vague at best. A simple device, not very expensive, and generally found to be quite accurate enough for even the best $$$ Cartridges, and critical set-up is the Shure Stylus Force Gauge (About $25-$30)

Probably for break-in I would err on the heavier side of the Manufacturer's prescribed Tracking Force. The Cartridge should work just fine at 1.8gm.

Lastly will be Anti-Skate, and again, a Test Record, such as the Cardas LP will help you with set-up, and there's blank tracks to get into the close ballpark of acceptable Anti-Skate.

These three items (at least) should be in your arsenal for good set-up of your table. Any less, and you won't extract the best sound this Table has to offer you.

There's literal dozens of folks here that have forgotten more than I know, and know 100 times more than I, but virtually all will agree that a $1,000 Turntable properly set-up just may very likely outperform a $10,000 one improperly set-up one.

Lastly, Record care, and storage is also paramount to extracting the very best sound from your table, so spend the $$$ for really good quality Vinyl Cleaners, brushes, and Plastic Sleeves.

High quality products are made by folks like Disc Doctor, Record Research Labs (RRL), Last, and even Mobile Fidelity is now making quality Vinyl Cleaners.

Places to look, would be Elusive Disc, MusicDirect, Needle Doctor, for all your needs, as they generally carry every product I've mentioned above.

Wish you mucho enjoyment, and of course, the fine folks here will help you should you have further questions with your particular set-up. Mark