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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

Showing 4 responses by twl

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.
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.
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.
twl
3,251 posts
 
The RB300 is a very good arm. If you want to spend more, then have a look at the Origin Live website. They do wiring mods, structural mods, VTA adjusters, etc., to Rega arms, and even make their own arms, which is what I bought, the OL Silver 250. Galen Carol Audio has all their stuff. I got mine there, and was happy with the product and the service. Just type Galen Carol Audio into your search engine. I use Google, and he pops up right away.
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