Rega Setup

[nshirk]

I just bought a RP3 with elys2 and have some setup questions.
The instructions say to remove tracking force and basis. Then set the balance weight so that the needle floats 1 mm above the record.

I tried this and the results are muddy. awful in fact. Vocals are barely discernible.

Second attempt, I used a shure balance gauge to ensure 1.75 gr of downward force. Then set tracking force/basis. Even worse...

So what am I doing wrong? Or is it something else in my setup? (Parasound z-phono set to MM). They say the elys2 is very efficient. Should I try the MC setting?

Other potential issues, I made the set of interconnects from the z-phono to the amp. I wasn't too happy with them. But hard to imagine they are doing this.

[Etnier]

With the needle 1mm above the record it's amazing you're hearing anything at all!

[nshirk]

[Etnier]

Seriously, it's a bit hard to tell what you're doing from the way you've described it.
The first method does leave the needle floating in the air. The second seems like you're double-applying tracking force: set to 1.75g and then 'set tracking force'.

Assuming you want to use the tracking force dial, then you'd set it to zero, move the counterweight until the arm floated at that 1mm distance, then set the desired tracking force with the dial, double-checking with the gauge you apparently have. There seem to be two very similar threads here at the same time.

The rough rule of thumb is that once you approach the specified tracking force you'll be OK and can apply substantially more force without hearing bad effects. Much less than spec, however, will not produce good sound.

I don't know the current Rega instructions. I thought the systems with cartridges installed had their setup already done. You might want to get on the phone with your dealer.

[RP3user]

:(

Hi nshirk

Did your RP3 come with the Elys2 factory fitted?

Graham

[nshirk]

Fair enough.

I guess I was confused by the tracking force dial. My last turntable (project) didn't have this feature. Guess I need to measure it after floating and setting the tracking force/bais. Measure as a verification.

The Elys was fitted on the arm. But the tracking force was set to zero and the balance weigh was not fitted on the arm.

Seriously, it's a bit hard to tell what you're doing from the way you've described it.
The first method does leave the needle floating in the air. The second seems like you're double-applying tracking force: set to 1.75g and then 'set tracking force'.

Assuming you want to use the tracking force dial, then you'd set it to zero, move the counterweight until the arm floated at that 1mm distance, then set the desired tracking force with the dial, double-checking with the gauge you apparently have. There seem to be two very similar threads here at the same time.

The rough rule of thumb is that once you approach the specified tracking force you'll be OK and can apply substantially more force without hearing bad effects. Much less than spec, however, will not produce good sound.

I don't know the current Rega instructions. I thought the systems with cartridges installed had their setup already done. You might want to get on the phone with your dealer.