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Author Topic: Any Rega RP-1 owners out there? I have questions...  (Read 21386 times)

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Offline acidjack

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Any Rega RP-1 owners out there? I have questions...
« on: April 25, 2012, 12:54:45 PM »
Have had one for a couple months and am experiencing what I think are some problems.  The bad news is that this is basically the only "real" turntable I have owned, so I not only don't know "what to expect" but also don't really even know how to operate/calibrate it properly (even though it's a very simple machine). 

Short version is I can hear the record moving when I listen to it (the slight "ka-thunk" every time the record moves) in very quiet passages.  Also, I have a couple of records where there seems to be obvious distortion in one channel.  The playback system other than the turntable works fine.

Some of the questions I have are really elementary, but the manufacturer essentially provides no manual whatsoever (it tells you a brief bit about calibration, mostly related to changing the cartridge, not how to make the one you have work correctly).

Help from someone with patience would be appreciated.
Mics: Schoeps MK4V, MK41V, MK5, MK22> CMC6, KCY 250/5, KC5, NBob; MBHO MBP603/KA200N, AT 3031, DPA 4061 w/ d:vice, Naiant X-X, AT 853c, shotgun, Nak300
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Offline Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B)

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Re: Any Rega RP-1 owners out there? I have questions...
« Reply #1 on: April 25, 2012, 02:18:43 PM »
I'm no expert either, but I'm under the impression that if you get distortion in one channel your cartridge needs to be aligned. I should be 100% vertical. If not the needle will ride on one wall more than the other in the groove.

I bought my turntable from a local shop so they would do all that for me. Might be worth it to pay someone to set it up.
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Offline George

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Re: Any Rega RP-1 owners out there? I have questions...
« Reply #2 on: April 25, 2012, 02:46:48 PM »
In Living Stereo is an authorized Rega shop...maybe they can help you out.

http://www.inlivingstereo.com/

Nice guys from all the times I've been in there to audition Rega speakers.
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Offline acidjack

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Re: Any Rega RP-1 owners out there? I have questions...
« Reply #3 on: April 25, 2012, 03:02:29 PM »
In Living Stereo is an authorized Rega shop...maybe they can help you out.

http://www.inlivingstereo.com/

Nice guys from all the times I've been in there to audition Rega speakers.

Thx man, I'm guessing In Living Stereo is the ticket for sure. 

So here is one of my super-idiot questions - the turntable comes with a cloth pad on top of the platter.  That is a dust cover, right, and not something that you leave on there when playing..? 

Mics: Schoeps MK4V, MK41V, MK5, MK22> CMC6, KCY 250/5, KC5, NBob; MBHO MBP603/KA200N, AT 3031, DPA 4061 w/ d:vice, Naiant X-X, AT 853c, shotgun, Nak300
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Offline nickgregory

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Re: Any Rega RP-1 owners out there? I have questions...
« Reply #4 on: April 25, 2012, 03:05:13 PM »
In Living Stereo is an authorized Rega shop...maybe they can help you out.

http://www.inlivingstereo.com/

Nice guys from all the times I've been in there to audition Rega speakers.

Thx man, I'm guessing In Living Stereo is the ticket for sure. 

So here is one of my super-idiot questions - the turntable comes with a cloth pad on top of the platter.  That is a dust cover, right, and not something that you leave on there when playing..? 



that felt circle is meant to be left on when you are playing it.

Offline macdaddy

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Re: Any Rega RP-1 owners out there? I have questions...
« Reply #5 on: April 25, 2012, 04:33:50 PM »
what nick said...

the felt protects the record from turntable surface.
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Offline Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B)

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Re: Any Rega RP-1 owners out there? I have questions...
« Reply #6 on: April 25, 2012, 04:39:07 PM »
I would think the lack of the felt mat wouldn't help things.

I thought one of the advertised features of the Rega decks (at least the entry level ones) was that they came pre-set up out of the factory.

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Re: Any Rega RP-1 owners out there? I have questions...
« Reply #7 on: April 26, 2012, 12:40:55 PM »
Re the left channel distortion, make sure the deck is perfectly level.  Use a bubble level.

If you're playing used records, one groove wall may have been damaged, especially if they all came from the same prior owner.

But I agree that cartridge alignment is the most likely culprit.

There is nothing mystical about setting up a turntable as some of the uber high end fetishists would have one believe.  You can find instructions all over the net.

Offline acidjack

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Re: Any Rega RP-1 owners out there? I have questions...
« Reply #8 on: April 26, 2012, 03:03:47 PM »
Re the left channel distortion, make sure the deck is perfectly level.  Use a bubble level.

If you're playing used records, one groove wall may have been damaged, especially if they all came from the same prior owner.

But I agree that cartridge alignment is the most likely culprit.

There is nothing mystical about setting up a turntable as some of the uber high end fetishists would have one believe.  You can find instructions all over the net.

It's brand new as are most of the LPs I have...

I am an idiot re: the mat.  Thanks for the heads up...

The table seems quite level....  And yeah, Rega makes it sort of idiot proof, but for instance, there is a "bias selector" on it that it's not really explained where to set. 
Mics: Schoeps MK4V, MK41V, MK5, MK22> CMC6, KCY 250/5, KC5, NBob; MBHO MBP603/KA200N, AT 3031, DPA 4061 w/ d:vice, Naiant X-X, AT 853c, shotgun, Nak300
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Offline Fried Chicken Boy

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Re: Any Rega RP-1 owners out there? I have questions...
« Reply #9 on: April 26, 2012, 04:53:00 PM »
"The Bias slider should be set to the same figure as the tracking weight."  Taken from the online manual, for what that's worth.  I'm guessing it's an anti-skating adjustment?

If you want, acidjack, we could try to find a day where I can come over and we'll figure out what's up with your turntable.

Offline acidjack

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Re: Any Rega RP-1 owners out there? I have questions...
« Reply #10 on: April 26, 2012, 05:11:53 PM »
^^ Yeah, that's the thing, I cannot figure out what "tracking weight" it's set to, either....

I'll email you.
Mics: Schoeps MK4V, MK41V, MK5, MK22> CMC6, KCY 250/5, KC5, NBob; MBHO MBP603/KA200N, AT 3031, DPA 4061 w/ d:vice, Naiant X-X, AT 853c, shotgun, Nak300
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Offline twalker

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Re: Any Rega RP-1 owners out there? I have questions...
« Reply #11 on: April 26, 2012, 05:45:31 PM »
The RP1 has an 101 Rega tonearm.  There really is no anti skate on that arm.  As previously said the tracking weight and cartridge alignment are off.  You should take it to a dealer and have it setup.  Ask if you can watch, and then write down what they do.  In order to determine your tracking weight you need a stylus pressure gauge.  The Garrard SPG3 is by far the easiest to use.  The cartridge should have an indicated tracking weight in the specs.  Without knowing the installed cartridge I can't tell you the recommended weight.  You would align the cartridge with an alignment protractor.  Rega has a cardboard cutout supplied with all of their arms.  You make sure the needle is in the center of the x and it lines up on the picture.  Then you adjust the tonearm counterweight to balance out the gauge.

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Offline Fried Chicken Boy

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Re: Any Rega RP-1 owners out there? I have questions...
« Reply #12 on: April 26, 2012, 05:46:46 PM »
Found the following info on vinylengine.com.  A very good resource site, by the way.  The OM5 is the stylus that you have on yours, correct?

"The Tracking Force for the Ortofon OM5e is 1.5 - 2.0g with the recommendation of 1.75g. The suggestion is to set the bias slider (on the RP-1) to around the same value (using it's 0, 1, 2 markings as a reference)."

Offline twalker

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Re: Any Rega RP-1 owners out there? I have questions...
« Reply #13 on: April 26, 2012, 05:51:07 PM »
Found the following info on vinylengine.com.  A very good resource site, by the way.  The OM5 is the stylus that you have on yours, correct?

"The Tracking Force for the Ortofon OM5e is 1.5 - 2.0g with the recommendation of 1.75g. The suggestion is to set the bias slider (on the RP-1) to around the same value (using it's 0, 1, 2 markings as a reference)."

Exactly. If that is the cartridge.  You can adjust the weight freehand, but it really is better to use a gauge.  If you set the tonearm weight to the set numbers and you arm slides or kicks up in the air your weight is off.
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zowie

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Re: Any Rega RP-1 owners out there? I have questions...
« Reply #14 on: April 26, 2012, 07:27:18 PM »
The Garrard SPG3 is WAY too course for modern turntables.  And by modern I mean like the last 40 years.  Shure makes a good, reasonably priced gauge.

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Re: Any Rega RP-1 owners out there? I have questions...
« Reply #15 on: April 26, 2012, 08:05:06 PM »
I use an inexpensive $15 eBay digital scale.  It runs on AA batts, for ease of power.

Offline twalker

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Re: Any Rega RP-1 owners out there? I have questions...
« Reply #16 on: April 26, 2012, 08:40:15 PM »
I've used the Garrard for years, 2 VPIs with Rega Arms and an Acoustic Solid, SME arm, Benz cartridge.  It was recommended to me when I purchased my first VPI, I was told to just look for a used one. Found one in old stereo and record shop in Hollywood.  But, I guess everybody is different. 

I have used the Shure as well and a smattering of those digital ones.  But, I always go back to the Garrard.

And, I agree...even if I am a "über high end fetishist"   ;D, it is relatively easy once you actually do it.

Oh yeah,  there are all kinds who listen to vinyl.  Each of us will probably have a different opinion on setup and calibration tools.  There are those who will tell you cleaning your records with steam is better than washing.  Some will say a brush is all that is needed.  Bottom line, it is another hobby where varying opinions are always fun to share.
« Last Edit: April 26, 2012, 09:16:48 PM by twalker »
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mfrench

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Re: Any Rega RP-1 owners out there? I have questions...
« Reply #17 on: April 27, 2012, 11:07:20 AM »
As they say there are many roads to rome,...
Me, I love overhauling older idler drive decks, and long tonearms.  I've got seven decks ranging from 1950->1970, by Presto Recording Corp. (1950->1955), Bogen-Presto (1959->1963, rebadged Swiss Lenco's) and Lenco L75's; and a 1964 Pioneer PL7E idler drive
« Last Edit: April 27, 2012, 11:10:54 AM by m0k3 »

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Re: Any Rega RP-1 owners out there? I have questions...
« Reply #18 on: April 27, 2012, 11:10:23 AM »
acidjack-
Did your deck come with a cartridge alignment protractor?
If not, go to vinylengine.com, and they'll likely have one for you that you can d/l, and print.

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Re: Any Rega RP-1 owners out there? I have questions...
« Reply #19 on: April 27, 2012, 11:21:19 AM »
As they say there are many roads to rome,...
Me, I love overhauling older idler drive decks, and long tonearms.  I've got seven decks ranging from 1950->1970, by Presto Recording Corp. (1950->1955), Bogen-Presto (1959->1963, rebadged Swiss Lenco's) and Lenco L75's; and a 1964 Pioneer PL7E idler drive

Nice!  :coolguy:

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zowie

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Re: Any Rega RP-1 owners out there? I have questions...
« Reply #20 on: April 27, 2012, 11:37:14 AM »
As they say there are many roads to rome,...
Me, I love overhauling older idler drive decks, and long tonearms.  I've got seven decks ranging from 1950->1970, by Presto Recording Corp. (1950->1955), Bogen-Presto (1959->1963, rebadged Swiss Lenco's) and Lenco L75's; and a 1964 Pioneer PL7E idler drive

I'd like to go further down that route one day.  I'm currently sportin' a TD-111/Ortofon (among other decks), but stock.

The coolest would be one of those washing machine sized RCA broadcast turntables with the two-foot motor shaft.  Used them in radio before we switched over to Technics SPs.   Joe Bussard uses one in the "Desperate Man Blues" documentary.


Offline twalker

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Re: Any Rega RP-1 owners out there? I have questions...
« Reply #21 on: April 27, 2012, 11:44:59 AM »
As they say there are many roads to rome,...
Me, I love overhauling older idler drive decks, and long tonearms.  I've got seven decks ranging from 1950->1970, by Presto Recording Corp. (1950->1955), Bogen-Presto (1959->1963, rebadged Swiss Lenco's) and Lenco L75's; and a 1964 Pioneer PL7E idler drive

I'd like to go further down that route one day.  I'm currently sportin' a TD-111/Ortofon (among other decks), but stock.

The coolest would be one of those washing machine sized RCA broadcast turntables with the two-foot motor shaft.  Used them in radio before we switched over to Technics SPs.   Joe Bussard uses one in the "Desperate Man Blues" documentary.

Oh! That would be cool.  I think me favorite would be an EMT 948 broadcast table. 
Classical rig - Mics:  DPA 4006, MH ULN2, Marantz PMD 671, Mac Book Pro

Small rig (under construction) - Neumann 184, PSP, Sony PCM D50

Playback - EAR 534, Spendor 3/5, LAT Axiom

Transfer - Mac mini, Bias Peak XT, MH ULN, Focal monitors

mfrench

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Re: Any Rega RP-1 owners out there? I have questions...
« Reply #22 on: April 27, 2012, 01:03:48 PM »
I'm currently following a rebuild of an EMT 927 dual console overhaul, by a doctor from Belgium. This one is two 16" platters.  The original platters went missing, so, the rebuild is being done with two newly machined platters.
The build is being documented over at http://www.lencoheaven.net and is in the "Other Turntables" section of the forum.
If you've not been there yet - LH is an amazing TT resource for anybody, not just idler heads. Its heaven for any fan of idler drives though.  Its an amazing group of minds over there.

EMT dual console rebuild:
http://www.lencoheaven.net/forum/index.php?topic=7793.0

My TT projects are documented there as well:
http://www.lencoheaven.net/forum/index.php?topic=1112.msg98417#msg98417
« Last Edit: April 27, 2012, 01:09:04 PM by m0k3 »

Offline acidjack

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Re: Any Rega RP-1 owners out there? I have questions...
« Reply #23 on: April 27, 2012, 01:12:11 PM »
acidjack-
Did your deck come with a cartridge alignment protractor?
If not, go to vinylengine.com, and they'll likely have one for you that you can d/l, and print.

Short answer is yes, it did, but their instructions made absolutely no sense to me.  I've never had a non-completely-idiot-proofed record player.  I will go look up that link, though, and try and make sense of it. 
Mics: Schoeps MK4V, MK41V, MK5, MK22> CMC6, KCY 250/5, KC5, NBob; MBHO MBP603/KA200N, AT 3031, DPA 4061 w/ d:vice, Naiant X-X, AT 853c, shotgun, Nak300
Pres/Power: Aerco MP2, tinybox v2  [KCY], CA-UBB
Decks: Sound Devices MixPre 6, Zoom F8, M10, D50

My recordings on nyctaper.com: http://www.nyctaper.com/?tag=acidjack | LMA: http://www.archive.org/bookmarks/acidjack | twitter: http://www.twitter.com/acidjacknyc | Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/acidjacknyc

mfrench

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Re: Any Rega RP-1 owners out there? I have questions...
« Reply #24 on: April 27, 2012, 04:08:30 PM »
With the supplied protractor sheet, you should just be able to drop the stylus tip into/onto the designated spot, and then use the outside case of the cartridge to make sure that the cartridge is aligned squarely to the reference lines of the protractor.
I'm not sure what cartridge it has, so i can only generically reply to your questions. I've only run one Rega deck, the P3-24. Its arm came with a three hole design in its headshell. I also had the Rega Elys2 cartridge on that arm.  The Elys2 cartridge had a three hole design that directly corresponds to / was designed for that arm. So, you'd mount the three screws, and supposedly you were in perfect alignment.
THe P3-24 was a more advanced level of deck, and they made it foolproof.  I'm a little surprised that their entry level deck doesn't have the same foolproof way of mounting the cartridge, given that the typical use for it was going to be with people that were not used to setting up turntables.

So, back to the protractor:
I've always taken a pin, and punched a slight relief at the stylus drop point on the protractor. This should give you the required overhang. Then by eye, make sure that the casing of the cartridge is aligned squarely to the reference lines of the protractor.  You'll never get it 100% perfect with a pivoting arm, but you can average out the alignment between the inner and outer "null points" easily enough, and accurately enough, for fine playback.

What the klunking noise is, I'm not sure. 
Did you buy the deck new?
My first thought is spindle bearing noise, or maybe motor noise.
If you pull the belt off, does the platter spin freely and smoothly?
Is there any flat spot in the belt?

Another good source for TT information is http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/index.php  (AK)
There are quite a few people with that deck there, and a whole bunch of knowledgeable TT veterans.
You can ask there, or do database searches as well, if you don't want to sign up.  I like this site, as its not as contentious as some sites that deal with analog TT playback.  AK and LH are two really friendly sites to ask questions or seek answers.

Does the needle drop easily onto the record, or does it try to skate inward?

Offline twalker

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Re: Any Rega RP-1 owners out there? I have questions...
« Reply #25 on: April 28, 2012, 07:38:00 AM »
I'm currently following a rebuild of an EMT 927 dual console overhaul, by a doctor from Belgium. This one is two 16" platters.  The original platters went missing, so, the rebuild is being done with two newly machined platters.
The build is being documented over at http://www.lencoheaven.net and is in the "Other Turntables" section of the forum.
If you've not been there yet - LH is an amazing TT resource for anybody, not just idler heads. Its heaven for any fan of idler drives though.  Its an amazing group of minds over there.

EMT dual console rebuild:
http://www.lencoheaven.net/forum/index.php?topic=7793.0

My TT projects are documented there as well:
http://www.lencoheaven.net/forum/index.php?topic=1112.msg98417#msg98417

Nothing else to say other than, WOW! Thanks for sharing.
Classical rig - Mics:  DPA 4006, MH ULN2, Marantz PMD 671, Mac Book Pro

Small rig (under construction) - Neumann 184, PSP, Sony PCM D50

Playback - EAR 534, Spendor 3/5, LAT Axiom

Transfer - Mac mini, Bias Peak XT, MH ULN, Focal monitors

Offline acidjack

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Re: Any Rega RP-1 owners out there? I have questions...
« Reply #26 on: April 28, 2012, 07:21:43 PM »
With the supplied protractor sheet, you should just be able to drop the stylus tip into/onto the designated spot, and then use the outside case of the cartridge to make sure that the cartridge is aligned squarely to the reference lines of the protractor.
I'm not sure what cartridge it has, so i can only generically reply to your questions. I've only run one Rega deck, the P3-24. Its arm came with a three hole design in its headshell. I also had the Rega Elys2 cartridge on that arm.  The Elys2 cartridge had a three hole design that directly corresponds to / was designed for that arm. So, you'd mount the three screws, and supposedly you were in perfect alignment.
THe P3-24 was a more advanced level of deck, and they made it foolproof.  I'm a little surprised that their entry level deck doesn't have the same foolproof way of mounting the cartridge, given that the typical use for it was going to be with people that were not used to setting up turntables.

So, back to the protractor:
I've always taken a pin, and punched a slight relief at the stylus drop point on the protractor. This should give you the required overhang. Then by eye, make sure that the casing of the cartridge is aligned squarely to the reference lines of the protractor.  You'll never get it 100% perfect with a pivoting arm, but you can average out the alignment between the inner and outer "null points" easily enough, and accurately enough, for fine playback.

What the klunking noise is, I'm not sure. 
Did you buy the deck new?
My first thought is spindle bearing noise, or maybe motor noise.
If you pull the belt off, does the platter spin freely and smoothly?
Is there any flat spot in the belt?

Another good source for TT information is http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/index.php  (AK)
There are quite a few people with that deck there, and a whole bunch of knowledgeable TT veterans.
You can ask there, or do database searches as well, if you don't want to sign up.  I like this site, as its not as contentious as some sites that deal with analog TT playback.  AK and LH are two really friendly sites to ask questions or seek answers.

Does the needle drop easily onto the record, or does it try to skate inward?

It is brand new. 

The platter seems to spin freely and smoothly. 

On the needle drop, the drop is kind of loud... I lower the needle using that lever in the back... (please tell me that is how you're supposed to do it...)... I always lower it slowly so that it just finally plunks down on the vinyl.

It's OK if you are all laughing at my incompetence btw... believe me it is embarrassing to know absolutely nothing about operating a seemingly very simple product.
Mics: Schoeps MK4V, MK41V, MK5, MK22> CMC6, KCY 250/5, KC5, NBob; MBHO MBP603/KA200N, AT 3031, DPA 4061 w/ d:vice, Naiant X-X, AT 853c, shotgun, Nak300
Pres/Power: Aerco MP2, tinybox v2  [KCY], CA-UBB
Decks: Sound Devices MixPre 6, Zoom F8, M10, D50

My recordings on nyctaper.com: http://www.nyctaper.com/?tag=acidjack | LMA: http://www.archive.org/bookmarks/acidjack | twitter: http://www.twitter.com/acidjacknyc | Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/acidjacknyc

mfrench

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Re: Any Rega RP-1 owners out there? I have questions...
« Reply #27 on: April 29, 2012, 09:37:39 AM »
I'm not laughing, at all.  A truly simple product is a CD player - a TT is not. Analog is a challenge!

The arm lowering is being done correctly.  It should have some sort of damping built into it, so that even if you drop the lever quickly, the arm should come down slower in relation to how quickly you drop the lever. Ultimately, you're doing that correctly.

In a different phrasing, a similar question,...
When the needle touches down, do you enter into the lead-in groove smoothly, and start the music smoothly, without jumping into the music?
I've had misadjusted arms that start racing towards the music in the lead-in groove, and actually jumping into the music quite un-smoothly.

I'm not sure if its been asked, so I'll ask again,...
Is the deck sitting level?

ANother question:
Is there any anomaly in playback, like a skipping or sticking in a similar spot with different records?
I'm trying to figure out what that thunking might be. Tonearms have bearings in them as well, and that is another source for possible anomalies/noise.

Offline acidjack

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Re: Any Rega RP-1 owners out there? I have questions...
« Reply #28 on: April 29, 2012, 02:30:47 PM »
I'm not laughing, at all.  A truly simple product is a CD player - a TT is not. Analog is a challenge!

The arm lowering is being done correctly.  It should have some sort of damping built into it, so that even if you drop the lever quickly, the arm should come down slower in relation to how quickly you drop the lever. Ultimately, you're doing that correctly.

In a different phrasing, a similar question,...
When the needle touches down, do you enter into the lead-in groove smoothly, and start the music smoothly, without jumping into the music?
I've had misadjusted arms that start racing towards the music in the lead-in groove, and actually jumping into the music quite un-smoothly.

I'm not sure if its been asked, so I'll ask again,...
Is the deck sitting level?

ANother question:
Is there any anomaly in playback, like a skipping or sticking in a similar spot with different records?
I'm trying to figure out what that thunking might be. Tonearms have bearings in them as well, and that is another source for possible anomalies/noise.

Well, I appreciate your patience, because this whole analog world makes me feel like an idiot.  My last record player just had a "start" button with an automatic arm... and I owned it in the early 90s...

To answer your questions in turn:

- it seems level to me. Floor surface is flat, it's on top of an amp that is flat. There is no jerking or anything if I press down on it.

- There has been skipping/sticking on a few records - all of them colored vinyl, which I understand is more finicky and also prone to warping(?)  (Though these were new, unplayed vinyl).

- The needle touch down and move into the lead-in seems fine to me. 

- So anyway, I figured rather than just try to describe it in words, I'd record what it sounds like. This is an AKG 414 mic'ing my left speaker.  The record playing is brand-new - only played one other time, this morning.  It sounds to me like the vinyl is hitting the cartridge on every revolution, just slightly, making that light "thunk" sound.  But hear it for yourself:

http://www.nyctaper.com/regatest.mp3

I also took video of it, if that helps.
Mics: Schoeps MK4V, MK41V, MK5, MK22> CMC6, KCY 250/5, KC5, NBob; MBHO MBP603/KA200N, AT 3031, DPA 4061 w/ d:vice, Naiant X-X, AT 853c, shotgun, Nak300
Pres/Power: Aerco MP2, tinybox v2  [KCY], CA-UBB
Decks: Sound Devices MixPre 6, Zoom F8, M10, D50

My recordings on nyctaper.com: http://www.nyctaper.com/?tag=acidjack | LMA: http://www.archive.org/bookmarks/acidjack | twitter: http://www.twitter.com/acidjacknyc | Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/acidjacknyc

mfrench

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Re: Any Rega RP-1 owners out there? I have questions...
« Reply #29 on: April 29, 2012, 03:22:36 PM »
Try this:
Try getting the tonearm VTF (vertical tracking force) to a neutral floating point, where the arm floats at neutral, horizontal position; this is done by turning the counterweight outward on the arm stub.  To do this, you'll need to zero out any antiskating mechanism (bias) that you have first.

When you've achieved zero-neutral with the arm, put a penny on the arm, right above the cartridge.  You might need to add small bit of doubled-over or two side tape to get it to stay on the arm;  maybe some blue tack putty - a minimal amount.
A US penny weighs 2.5grams, which is a fair average tracking weight, maybe just a touch heavy, but only a bit over what some modern carts spec as a VTF (ex: The Rega Elys2 specs at 1.75gr vtf).
You can also try zeroing the arm to neutral, and then adding just enough vtf to cause the arm to lower, by bringing the counterweight forward towards the pivot.  I suggested the penny, as its a known vtf load for this test effort.

See if this "known" VTF helps in eliminating the noise.
Its entirely possible that you have a stylus cantilever suspension issue that cannot support the arm and cart, or are running to much VTF.
« Last Edit: May 02, 2012, 08:09:30 PM by m0k3 »

mfrench

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Re: Any Rega RP-1 owners out there? I have questions...
« Reply #30 on: April 29, 2012, 03:32:12 PM »
More suggestions:
~ get a small scale for checking the VTF.  There are beam scales specifically for this, or, just a small low-profile digital scale.  Buying a "TT" scale is making something inexpensive into a boutique item, and tripling the cost or more.

~ get a small level.
I use an inexpensive masonry string level to check my decks for level.  A small amount of out-of-level can add or reduce the effect of any antiskating device, and cause the needle to ride up the inside wall of the groove, causing distortions, or audible balance issues, and ultimately, uneven grove wear.
http://www.ted-kyte.com/3D/Pictures/String%20Level.jpg
« Last Edit: April 29, 2012, 03:34:49 PM by m0k3 »

mfrench

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Re: Any Rega RP-1 owners out there? I have questions...
« Reply #31 on: May 07, 2012, 09:35:33 AM »
Curious if you tried re-weighting the arm to test the suspension of the cartridge?
Your sample did sound a bit like the cart body was hitting the record.

Offline acidjack

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Re: Any Rega RP-1 owners out there? I have questions...
« Reply #32 on: May 07, 2012, 11:21:31 AM »
Curious if you tried re-weighting the arm to test the suspension of the cartridge?
Your sample did sound a bit like the cart body was hitting the record.

I did a few things on Friday - actually meant to PM you.  First I emailed Rega and asked who their dealer was in the area. I called that guy and kindly asked if he would calibrate it, and he pretty much told me to go f myself.  Which was pretty stupid of him, since I will never send any business their way again (ironically, I was going to buy it from them to start with, but they never answered my emails). 

I did order a Shure stylus gauge and printed out an alignment protractor.  I also rotated the counterweight back a few turns.  This seems to have helped tremendously - the "ka thunk" sound in the sample is not there now. I still get a little bit of that crackle and pop that one associates with vinyl at the start of certain (new) records - which I think is still not normal, since presumably a new record shouldn't do that at all. 

The anti-skate also seems to maybe need further adjustment - I set it to "1" which is the manufacturer recommended setting (it had been at a "2"). I notice that now with the lighter tracking force, the stylus does tend to "jump" forward in the run-in groove.   Is there any potential harm in setting the anti-skate back to '2'?  What happens when that is too "high"? 

I figure once I have the stylus gauge I should at least be able to rule that out as an issue.  A friend of mine (Fried Chicken Boy on here) also suggested that I consider upgrading the stylus.  I have an Ortofon cartridge which apparently allows you to replace only the stylus and not the entire cart, which would be nice.
Mics: Schoeps MK4V, MK41V, MK5, MK22> CMC6, KCY 250/5, KC5, NBob; MBHO MBP603/KA200N, AT 3031, DPA 4061 w/ d:vice, Naiant X-X, AT 853c, shotgun, Nak300
Pres/Power: Aerco MP2, tinybox v2  [KCY], CA-UBB
Decks: Sound Devices MixPre 6, Zoom F8, M10, D50

My recordings on nyctaper.com: http://www.nyctaper.com/?tag=acidjack | LMA: http://www.archive.org/bookmarks/acidjack | twitter: http://www.twitter.com/acidjacknyc | Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/acidjacknyc

mfrench

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Re: Any Rega RP-1 owners out there? I have questions...
« Reply #33 on: May 07, 2012, 11:44:01 AM »
The anti-skating is intended to counter the arms tendency to be drawn towards center (the physics of TT's).  If you use too much, you'll be doing the opposite, and pulling the arm outward too much, and riding up the outer groove wall.  If anything, just eliminate it altogether, unless you're realizing too much off-balance in your sound, such as a dominant left channel. 
The geometry of the shorter arms amplifies the tendency of the arm to be drawn towards center.  Longer arms show less tendency to this skating physics, and, will require less-to-no antiskating offset.  I run 12" arms on my custom builds, and they do not require any antiskating; better audio through better geometry (and less stuff to have to worry about, and deal with).
Ultimately, going at 1 on antiskating should be adequate.  Antiskating shouldn't have any effect on what was happening in your sample though; that did sound like either too much VTF (which by your later description, sounds like might have been too much), or, a collapsed stylus cantilever suspension.

Offline acidjack

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Re: Any Rega RP-1 owners out there? I have questions...
« Reply #34 on: May 09, 2012, 11:46:47 AM »
Got the stylus gauge and various other testing accessories yesterday. Confirmed that the issue was the VTF.  Their "idiot proof" design is not :)  The table sounds great now, and the Shure stylus gauge didn't cost an arm and a leg.  Score!
Mics: Schoeps MK4V, MK41V, MK5, MK22> CMC6, KCY 250/5, KC5, NBob; MBHO MBP603/KA200N, AT 3031, DPA 4061 w/ d:vice, Naiant X-X, AT 853c, shotgun, Nak300
Pres/Power: Aerco MP2, tinybox v2  [KCY], CA-UBB
Decks: Sound Devices MixPre 6, Zoom F8, M10, D50

My recordings on nyctaper.com: http://www.nyctaper.com/?tag=acidjack | LMA: http://www.archive.org/bookmarks/acidjack | twitter: http://www.twitter.com/acidjacknyc | Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/acidjacknyc

mfrench

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Re: Any Rega RP-1 owners out there? I have questions...
« Reply #35 on: May 09, 2012, 07:06:05 PM »
cool :coolguy: enjoy!

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Re: Any Rega RP-1 owners out there? I have questions...
« Reply #36 on: May 09, 2012, 07:54:17 PM »
cool :coolguy: enjoy!

+1

glad you go it working. welcome to the club ;)
-macdaddy ++

akg c422 > s42 > lunatec v2 > ad2k+ > roland r-44

Offline Teen Age Riot

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Re: Any Rega RP-1 owners out there? I have questions...
« Reply #37 on: May 10, 2012, 04:24:52 AM »
Their "idiot proof" design is not :)

Right on. I'm not sure if there is such a thing as an idiot-proof turntable. Unlike CD players these things just need proper set-up and occasional maintenance.

Anyway, sounds like you're hooked on vinyl now and that's a beautiful thing. Enjoy!

Offline acidjack

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Re: Any Rega RP-1 owners out there? I have questions...
« Reply #38 on: May 10, 2012, 11:34:33 AM »
cool :coolguy: enjoy!

Thanks and thanks to you + others for the advice!
Mics: Schoeps MK4V, MK41V, MK5, MK22> CMC6, KCY 250/5, KC5, NBob; MBHO MBP603/KA200N, AT 3031, DPA 4061 w/ d:vice, Naiant X-X, AT 853c, shotgun, Nak300
Pres/Power: Aerco MP2, tinybox v2  [KCY], CA-UBB
Decks: Sound Devices MixPre 6, Zoom F8, M10, D50

My recordings on nyctaper.com: http://www.nyctaper.com/?tag=acidjack | LMA: http://www.archive.org/bookmarks/acidjack | twitter: http://www.twitter.com/acidjacknyc | Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/acidjacknyc

Offline twalker

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Re: Any Rega RP-1 owners out there? I have questions...
« Reply #39 on: May 13, 2012, 09:06:06 AM »
Glad to see it worked out.  Enjoy!
Classical rig - Mics:  DPA 4006, MH ULN2, Marantz PMD 671, Mac Book Pro

Small rig (under construction) - Neumann 184, PSP, Sony PCM D50

Playback - EAR 534, Spendor 3/5, LAT Axiom

Transfer - Mac mini, Bias Peak XT, MH ULN, Focal monitors

 

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