Vinyl records have made a comeback in recent years, and with that comes a renewed interest in turntables.
One popular option is the Rega Planar 2, a modern-looking turntable that boasts impressive features and performance.
But what tonearm does it come with?
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Rega Planar 2 and its tonearm, the RB220. We’ll explore its design, features, and how it contributes to the overall sound quality of this innovative turntable.
So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of vinyl and turntables.
What Tonearm Does The Planar 2 Come With
The Rega Planar 2 comes with the RB220 tonearm, which was developed over two years alongside the latest Planar 3. This tonearm features new ultra-low friction ball bearings, a stiffer bearing housing, and an automatic bias setting, making it virtually plug ‘n’ play.
The RB220 tonearm is designed to extract the maximum amount of information and detail from your vinyl collection. It is made of aluminum and measures 11 inches in length. The arm tube is dead parallel to the record surface, and the factory set azimuth is set perfectly vertical.
The RB220 tonearm also comes mounted with the Rega Carbon MM cartridge, which has a tracking force of 2 grams. The tonearm has an adjustable balancing weight on the end, and the Carbon cartridge tracking pressure is set using a digital gauge.
Introduction To The Rega Planar 2 Turntable
The Rega Planar 2 is a British-made turntable from Rega Research Ltd, and it is a revamp on the Planar 1. The turntable sports a beautiful minimal design and is similar to the Planar 1 in that it is a belt-driven turntable with no built-in pre-amp, so you will need to hook it up. However, unlike the Planar 1, the Planar 2 was developed over two years alongside the latest Planar 3, and it features several upgrades and improvements that make it an excellent value at less than $800.
One of the most significant improvements in the Planar 2 is the RB220 tonearm, which is just as cleanly designed as the turntable itself. The tonearm measures 11 inches in length and features new ultra-low friction ball bearings, a stiffer bearing housing, and an automatic bias setting. These features make it virtually plug ‘n’ play and allow it to extract the maximum amount of information and detail from your vinyl collection.
In addition to the RB220 tonearm, the Planar 2 also features several other upgrades, including a new 24v low-noise motor, a newly-designed central bearing, and an upgraded platter with a new floating glass ‘Optiwhite’ design. Rega has also designed new feet to make the deck more stable. Even the packaging has been changed to reflect these upgrades.
Understanding The Importance Of A Tonearm
The tonearm is an essential component of any turntable, as it plays a crucial role in the production of sound. The tonearm’s primary function is to support the cartridge in the correct position over the record and allow it to move inward towards the center of the record while maintaining this position. To achieve this, the tonearm has to perform several tasks simultaneously.
Firstly, the tonearm has to hold the cartridge at a constant height and angle above the record, allowing it to trace the groove towards the center of the record. Secondly, it has to apply the correct amount of weight to the stylus and ensure that anti-skate force is present to prevent the cartridge from shooting towards the inside of the record. Finally, it carries the cabling that transmits the signal from the cartridge out to the rest of your system.
The materials used in tonearm design are crucial, as they must be light enough to keep overall mass low while still being stiff and strong enough to prevent any flex or movement in the arm while tracing a groove. The pivot point must provide no resistance to the arm tube in any direction as it traverses the record’s surface. The armtube has to be stiff, carrying the cartridge at one end and a heavy counterbalance weight at the other.
The importance of a tonearm cannot be overstated. Every aspect of its operation will have an effect on the output from phono cartridges, which is tiny. The rigidity of the armtube is paramount, as any movement or play in its pivot point will result in audible interference in the audio signal. The balancing act that results means that some arms take a radical step of removing bearings altogether and balancing on a single point. This practice- called a unipivot- ensures that the arm is largely free of mechanical noise but places further demands on the cartridge and requires careful setup.
Meet The RB220 Tonearm: Design And Features
The RB220 tonearm is packed with groundbreaking new features that enhance performance and make setup extremely simple. One of the most notable features of this tonearm is the ultra-low friction ball bearings, which are Rega-designed and patent-pending. These bearings are housed within a brand-new, stiffer, and lightweight bearing housing that was developed with updated adjustable bias, allowing greater flexibility and compatibility with a wide range of cartridges.
The RB220 tonearm also includes an integrated arm clip and uses Rega’s latest custom aluminum arm tube. The arm tube is designed to be dead parallel to the record surface, ensuring the cartridge tracks the groove accurately. The automatic bias setting negates the need for the user to set bias, making it almost completely plug ‘n’ play apart from simple arm balancing.
The Planar 2 turntable’s RB220 tonearm also features a newly designed central bearing that offers improved fit and less stress on the bearing, preventing the transfer of potential energy. The tonearm has an adjustable balancing weight on the end, making it easy to set up for different cartridges.
How The RB220 Contributes To The Sound Quality Of The Planar 2
The RB220 tonearm plays a key role in contributing to the sound quality of the Rega Planar 2 turntable. Its ultra-low friction ball bearings and stiffer bearing housing reduce any unwanted vibrations, resulting in a clean and tight playback. The automatic bias setting eliminates the need to set the anti-skate, ensuring that the tonearm is perfectly balanced and tracks the record accurately.
The dead parallel arm tube and perfectly vertical azimuth setting of the RB220 tonearm also contribute to the sound quality by ensuring that the stylus sits perfectly in the groove of the record, extracting every detail and nuance from the vinyl.
Furthermore, the Rega Carbon MM cartridge that comes mounted on the RB220 tonearm has a tracking force of 2 grams, which is precisely set using a digital gauge. This ensures that the cartridge tracks the record accurately without causing any damage to it.
Comparing The RB220 To Other Tonearms On The Market
When it comes to tonearms on the market, the RB220 is a standout performer in its price range. It competes with other midrange tonearms such as the Pro-Ject 9cc Evolution, the Audio-Technica AT-LP7, and the Ortofon 2M Black.
Compared to the Pro-Ject 9cc Evolution, the RB220 has a more advanced bearing system and a stiffer arm tube. The RB220 also has an automatic bias setting, while the Pro-Ject requires manual adjustment. However, the Pro-Ject does come with a higher-end cartridge.
The Audio-Technica AT-LP7 is a direct competitor to the Planar 2 and comes with an AT-VM520EB cartridge. The RB220 has a more advanced bearing system and a stiffer arm tube compared to the AT-LP7’s J-shaped tonearm. The RB220 also has an automatic bias setting, while the AT-LP7 requires manual adjustment.
The Ortofon 2M Black is a higher-end cartridge that can be paired with various tonearms. Compared to the RB220, it has a more advanced stylus profile and a lower tracking force. However, it is also significantly more expensive.
Tips For Optimizing Your Planar 2’s Tonearm Performance
To get the most out of your Rega Planar 2’s RB220 tonearm, there are a few tips you can follow:
1. Set the tracking force correctly: The RB220 tonearm comes with a pre-installed Rega Carbon MM cartridge, which has a recommended tracking force of 2 grams. To ensure optimal performance, it’s important to set the tracking force correctly. This can be done by adjusting the balance weight on the end of the tonearm using a digital gauge.
2. Adjust the anti-skate: The RB220 tonearm features an automatic bias setting, but you can also adjust the anti-skate manually to fine-tune the performance. This can be done by turning the small knob on the side of the tonearm.
3. Keep the tonearm clean: Dust and debris can build up on the tonearm over time, which can affect its performance. To keep it clean, use a soft brush to gently remove any dust or debris.
4. Upgrade the cartridge: While the Rega Carbon MM cartridge that comes with the Planar 2 is a great starting point, upgrading to a higher quality cartridge can further enhance the performance of your turntable.
5. Use a high-quality phono preamp: The Planar 2 does not come with a built-in preamp, so it’s important to use a high-quality external preamp to get the best sound quality possible. Rega’s own A2D Mini Fono is a great option, or you can choose from a wide range of other high-quality preamps on the market.
