Vinyl enthusiasts know that a turntable’s tonearm is a crucial component in delivering high-quality sound.
One important feature of a tonearm is anti-skating, which helps to keep the stylus tracking properly on the record groove.
But what about the Rega Planar 2? Does it have anti-skating?
Some users have reported issues with the anti-skating force being too strong or not adjustable.
In this article, we’ll explore the truth behind the Rega Planar 2’s anti-skating capabilities and what you can do to optimize your listening experience.
Does The Rega 2 Have Anti-Skating
Yes, the Rega Planar 2 does have anti-skating.
In fact, all Rega tonearms come with anti-skating, but the P2 as of late 2020 comes with adjustable anti-skating, just like the P3 and upwards.
However, some users have reported issues with the anti-skating force being too strong or not adjustable. This can cause problems with sibilance and tracking force.
The RB220 tonearm on the Planar 2 has a preset and non-adjustable anti-skate that is ideal for the 2.0 grams tracking force meant for the cartridge that is typically included with that turntable.
If you’re experiencing issues with the anti-skating force being too strong, you may need to adjust your tracking force or consider removing the glued-on magnet that controls the anti-skate.
It’s important to note that proper setup and calibration of your turntable can greatly impact the performance of your tonearm and anti-skating capabilities.
Understanding Anti-Skating And Its Importance In Turntables
Anti-skating is a crucial feature in turntables that helps maintain good channel balance, minimize distortion, and reduce stylus and record wear. It applies a small outward force to the tonearm, counteracting the tendency of the arm to move inward (skate) toward the center of the record as the tonearm approaches the end of the record.
The anti-skate control is usually found at the foot of the tonearm in the form of a small counterweight and adjustable knob. Some turntables, like the Rega Planar 2, come with adjustable anti-skating, while others may have a preset anti-skate value set by the manufacturer.
To set the anti-skate on a turntable with an adjustable control, start by adjusting it to the same value as the vertical tracking force (VTF) used. This will get you in the ballpark, but you may need to adjust it further by listening for distortion, particularly in the form of sibilance, and determining if it appears to be louder on one channel than the other.
It’s important to note that too much anti-skate can put excess pressure on your record and prevent it from moving properly, causing distortions in sound. On the other hand, too little anti-skate can cause the stylus to jump and result in distortions or skipping during playback.
Calibrating your anti-skating feature correctly ensures that your stylus rests perfectly in the groove of your records, reducing uneven stylus wear and ensuring proper channel balance for your left and right channels. Additionally, it minimizes the risk of skipping and tonearm skating across your record, providing dynamic sound without distortions or oddities during playback.
The Rega Planar 2: An Overview
The Rega Planar 2 is a classic turntable that has been around for decades. It is known for its engaging sound quality and sleek, minimalist design. The turntable features the RB220 tonearm, which boasts “ultra low friction, zero play ball bearings” and an automatic bias assembly that negates the need to set the anti-skate.
The arm tube of the Rega Planar 2 is made of aluminum, and the tonearm is dead parallel to the record surface, ensuring accurate tracking and minimal distortion. The turntable also features a high gloss acrylic laminated plinth with newly redesigned feet to improve isolation and increase stability.
The Rega Planar 2 is a belt-driven turntable, meaning that the motor is not directly placed under the platter. This design choice provides more isolation from the motor’s vibrations, resulting in a cleaner and more detailed sound. Belt drive turntables are generally preferred by audiophiles who want to listen to their favorite albums, while direct drive turntables are more useful for DJing and mixing records.
The Rega Planar 2 comes with a stock Rega Carbon cartridge, which some users have found to be its only weak point. However, the cartridge is easily upgradeable, and many audiophiles have chosen to replace it with a high-end Rega Exact cartridge for even better sound quality.
When setting up the Rega Planar 2, it is important to ensure that it is on a completely flat surface that is isolated from other parts of your system and from any movement in your room. One solution is to attach a turntable bracket to the wall, which not only provides isolation but also shows off your turntable. If you are using a HiFi rack, make sure that the surface is completely flat and use fine tuning to ensure proper setup.
Debunking The Myth: Does The Rega 2 Have Anti-Skating?
There has been some confusion and misinformation circulating online about whether or not the Rega Planar 2 has anti-skating. Some users have reported that there is no anti-skating adjustment on the RB220 arm, leading to speculation that the Planar 2 lacks this important feature.
However, this is not entirely accurate. As mentioned earlier, all Rega tonearms come with anti-skating, including the Planar 2. The RB220 arm on the Planar 2 has a preset and non-adjustable anti-skate that is designed to work with the typical tracking force of 2.0 grams for the cartridge that is included with that turntable.
While some users have reported issues with the strength of the anti-skating force on their Planar 2, it’s important to note that this can be due to a variety of factors, including improper setup or calibration. Additionally, some users have found success in adjusting their tracking force or removing the glued-on magnet that controls the anti-skate.
The Anti-Skating Force Issue: What Users Have Reported
Despite the fact that Rega tonearms come with anti-skating, some users have reported problems with the anti-skating force being too strong or not adjustable. This issue can cause problems with sibilance and tracking force.
Users have noted that the RB220 tonearm on the Planar 2 has a preset and non-adjustable anti-skate that is ideal for the 2.0 grams tracking force meant for the cartridge that is typically included with that turntable. However, some users have reported that this preset anti-skate is too strong, causing their records to skip.
Furthermore, some users have reported that the anti-skating force cannot be adjusted on their Rega turntables, making it difficult to fine-tune their setup. This has led to frustration and disappointment for some users who were expecting more flexibility in their turntable’s anti-skating capabilities.
It’s worth noting that these issues are not universal and may only affect a small percentage of users. However, it’s important for Rega to address these concerns and ensure that their turntables are meeting the needs and expectations of their customers.
How To Optimize Your Listening Experience With The Rega Planar 2
To optimize your listening experience with the Rega Planar 2, it’s important to consider the placement and setup of your turntable. Ideally, the turntable should be placed on a completely flat shelf, isolated from any other parts of your system and from other movement in your room. One solution is to attach a turntable bracket to the wall, which has the benefit of showing off your turntable and placing it at the perfect height for when you are changing your records.
If you’re using a Hi-Fi rack, make sure that the top shelf has some form of isolation from the rest of your system, either in the form of the racking itself or after-market solutions for the turntable feet. Take time to ensure that the surface is completely flat and use fine tuning to address any imperfections.
When setting up your Rega Planar 2, it’s important to calibrate the anti-skating force properly. While the RB220 tonearm comes with preset and non-adjustable anti-skate, some users have reported issues with it being too strong or not adjustable. If you’re experiencing this issue, consider adjusting your tracking force or removing the glued-on magnet that controls the anti-skate.
In addition to proper placement and calibration of your turntable, using high-quality components like a low-noise Rega motor and upgraded platter can further enhance your listening experience. And while advertising may have been a key factor in Technics’ success in the past, Rega has built its reputation on building excellent products at competitive prices without relying on marketing gimmicks. By prioritizing efficiency in production and building in sufficient numbers, Rega has made high-quality audio accessible to music enthusiasts at all levels.
Other Tips And Tricks For Maintaining Your Turntable’s Tonearm
Maintaining your turntable’s tonearm is crucial for optimal playback performance. Here are some additional tips and tricks to keep your tonearm in top shape:
1. Keep your tonearm clean: Dust and debris can accumulate on the tonearm, affecting its tracking ability and causing unnecessary wear and tear on your records. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently clean the tonearm after each use.
2. Check the alignment: Proper alignment of the cartridge and tonearm is essential for accurate tracking and minimizing distortion. Use an alignment protractor to ensure that your cartridge is aligned correctly.
3. Set the tracking force correctly: The tracking force is the amount of weight applied to the stylus as it tracks the record groove. Setting the tracking force too high or too low can cause excessive wear on your records or affect sound quality. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for setting the correct tracking force for your cartridge.
4. Use high-quality cables: The quality of your phono cable can affect the sound quality of your turntable. Invest in a high-quality cable that is shielded to reduce interference and noise.
5. Store your turntable properly: When not in use, store your turntable in a clean, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. This will help prevent damage to the tonearm or other components.
By following these tips and tricks, you can ensure that your turntable’s tonearm is well-maintained and performing at its best.
