New Rega RB303 tonearm counterweight

[rocky500]

I had a Rega RP3, now a RP6 turntable which both have the new RB303 tonearm.
I want to raise the VTA with a spacer but the lid when closed hits the round couterweight.
So I'm looking for a counterweight (not round) to fit the new RB303 arms.
I had one for a RB300 tonearm but it will not fit the RB303. It seems the diameter is slightly bigger on the new arms.
Anyone had any luck finding one to fit?

[Alec124c41]

Groovetracer, Michell, IsoKinetik, and Origin Live for a start.
I have no experience with any of them.

Cheers,
Alec

[rocky500]

Thanks Alec.

Its just they all advertise them to suit a Rega RB251 RB300, RB301,RB100, RB600, RB700, RB900, RB1000 tonearms.
I think the new RB303 tonearms have a bigger diameter endstub so they won't fit.
I will send off an email to them to see what they say.

[zharca]

Aftermarket weights usually come with a new stub, so you change that as well. RB250/300 ones will fit because the thread in the arm tube is the same.
However, the stub of the 303 can be very, very tight and extremely difficult to remove without risking damage to the arm.

[rocky500]

I have sent off an email to Groovetracer to ask them.

All I am hoping for is to replace the weight, nothing else so I can use the lid still. Don't like the idea of removing the endstub with a possibility of breaking something.

[zharca]

It might be worth contacting Johnnie Nilsen at Audio Origami, he does a low-cg weight and it's only a matter of doing you one with the right hole size, though I think his do usually come with a stub as well.

I imagine you'd want it in stainless steel to match the stub. If you really draw a blank with the usual suppliers I can make you one, as could any local machine shop.

[jrobby]

You might try a Rega tungsten weight. The stock weight is about 40 mm in diameter
and the tungsten weight is about 34 mm. The difference might be enough to clear the dustcover.

[ProperlyDeafened]

I can confirm the Michell Technoweight will work on your RP6....I have one on mine. The stock end stub is very tight, you'll need to wrap it in tape and use some pliers to break it loose. Just be careful, support the arm, etc. I switched to the Michell for the same reason you described. I'm running a 10x5 and with the spacer the weight hit the cover. The Rega tungsten weight should work as well, it's quite a bit smaller.

FWIW, I'm really happy with the Michell. Definitely tracks better and I had a noticeable increase in bass response.

I can't imagine there is any reason the Groovetracer won't also fit.

[rocky500]

Thanks zharca for the offer.
I will see how I go chasing one down.
I did receive a reply from Groovetracer (very quick to respond) about the possiblity his ones do fit, as he has done it himself, but no guarantee as tolerances on Rega endstubs can vary.

[Wozza]

Just get a tungsten weight. Job done.

[rocky500]

Just get a tungsten weight. Job done.

It is just I am not sure it will fit onto the standard stub.
I had one of these(left one) from my RB300 arm before and it would not fit onto the RB303 std endstub.
http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/3985/img8807f.jpg

[jrobby]

Both of the Rega counterweights in my picture came from a RB700 arm.
I would assume that they would also work on a RB303.

[jrobby]

I just measured the diameter of the end stub and it is 13mm. Hope this helps.
The end stub is from a RB700.

[rocky500]

Thanks jroby
I will head off to Jaycar tomorrow and pick up some calipers.
I like the look of the XTC counterweight on ebay and once I know the diameter, I can email them to see if they will fit.