How to upgrade the cartridge on a Rega Planar 1 - Includes Ortofon 2m Red and Joni Mitchell

[@nickmedlock9252]

Good to hear an expert say that the Rega Carbon, although inexpensive is a good cartridge and should be used until needing replacement. A great run through and showing that changing a cartridge is well within most people's ability (certainly those who consider themselves reasonably dextrous) with only a few tools.

[@ericdimson1]

Thanks for posting this video. I have a P1 and I thought I was locked in to using the supplied Carbon cartridge. I believe this is the first only video that shows an actual installation of a non Rega cartridge on a P1. There is also a lot of helpful info regarding bias, and especially the bit about how any cartridge is limited by the tonearm, and how the tonearm is limited by the turntable. I used to think that changing the cartridge alone was a game changer. I have no experience with changing cartridges but with the way you explained it and even the way you lined up the necessary tools (including the glasses) makes me want to try doing this! Thanks again for this amazing video, every second was worth watching.

[@cheshireaudio]

Many thanks :-)

[@ericdimson1]

@@ajmoore2201 thanks so much!

[@ajmoore2201]

@@ericdimson1 No problem at all Eric! 🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@TheNoncritical1]

The Carbon says Rega on its body, but is in fact, an Audio Technica 3600L.

[@johnlawrence7751]

Many thanks for the video, the trick of using your thumb to push the pliers to gently remove the wires was extremely helpful 👍

[@gargunza4141]

Great advice, you have a full understanding of bias correction. One of the first turntables I owned in 1971 was an Acoustic Research XA which had no bias correction. The mags of the time used to advise propping up the left side of the turntable by a couple of mm. You could judge by eye any drag on the stylus and adjust accordingly . Any arm that skates over the record is either tracking too lightly, or has a serious problem with its bearings.

[@stuartbailey445]

Hi, having watched this I had the confidence to upgrade the cartridge on my Planar 2. It was a Carbon with a few years on the clock and decent but undersold the quality of the deck. Did a lot of reading of forums and didn't want to go to the very high level as I may still upgrade later - say next year. So I settled on a AT-VM95SH (MM) I like the detail (or brightness and also the bass uplift - to my ears anyway.) thanks for the detailed walk through. Your channel is excellent.

[@davegibson2478]

This is the best video on this subject I have every seen, many thanks.

[@cheshireaudio]

Thank you ... cartridge posted today, let me know if you need any help

[@bigmanlizard7326]

thanks for the video, i havent got the turntable yet but after seeing people mention no adjustment of bias is bad its reassuring to know how it actually works and i would be fine up to upgrade cart in the future

[@lawrencecabrera5937]

I replaced the great Rega Carbon on my 2018 planar 2 with the Bias 2, the planar 2 had the fixed magnetic Bias so I removed arm and adjusted the magnet, I track the Bias at 1.75g and with the way my P2 came from factory I would get a lot of distortion when setting the bias at the recommended tracking force. I’m so glad the new P2 (2020) has an adjustable Bias. You should try the same on the Planar 1 it will greatly improve the overall sound as well as preserving your stylus suspension. I own a Planar 1 as well but am happy with the Carbon since I have it setup for headphones it works for me. I’m a big fan of Rega products and I understand they’re should be a marketing strategy with the P1 and P2 to have fixed the bias enticing the “aficionados” to tweak or go for the Planar 3 or beyond.. Great tutorial! Big fan of your channel as well!

[@lrwebb869]

I got a ATVM95E for Christmas so I’ll be fitting it soon. This video will help 👍🏻

[@LovreLucicZd]

I got the same. Did you fit it? Can i ask you how many mm did you pull weight to the end of the arm? Because vm95e is about 1g heavier than carbon. Thanks

[@lrwebb869]

@@LovreLucicZd I haven’t fitted it yet but Phil has another video to follow which should help you, and me! kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3qupYegZpWCo6M

[@lrwebb869]

@@LovreLucicZd also don’t confuse weight with tracking force. Tracking force for this cart is 2g I believe.

[@LovreLucicZd]

@@lrwebb869 thank you, ill check it. :)

[@govertja]

Thanks for this video, it was very useful. Now I upgraded my Planar 1 with an AT VM540ML cartridge and it sounds definitely better, although some might say this is overkill. Anyway, without you're instruction I wouldn't even think about replacing the cartridge!

[@atticus8091]

Did you use a spacer with the replacement? Or just the cartridge out of the box. Thanks

[@govertja]

No, a spacer is not necessary.

[@Pickle69ize]

V helpful thanks. I'm going to buy a P1 and fit my Goldring E3 to it ☺️

[@petersammon8771]

❤😂 great video thank you! I have a U-turn orbit basic green with an Audio Technica vm95 cartridge and it's basically the same arrangement with the fires preset at the factory at 2 G and I agree with you totally on this point

[@saltech3444]

This is really interesting - I am considering a P1, and I already have a 2M Red - I was under the impression that the tone arm on the P1 is not high enough to fit a Red. If your demonstration is accurate, maybe I shouldnt worry about that.

[@timmorris871]

I upgraded my P1 to an Ortofon Blue and had them use a spacer (lift) on the tonearm as i has the exact same concern over height. I think it was definitely the right call.

[@andyalien1967]

Gracias por tu vídeo, muy instructivo me sirvió mucho para cambiar el cartucho de mi Rega P1, saludos desde Santiago de Chile.

[@cjmillsnun]

Top tip. If the stylus is detachable, remove the stylus before removing or initial fir to the headshell.

[@cheshireaudio]

Good point

[@depechem0demusic]

Yes a typical example of the wiring being slightly different when I changed the rega bias 2 for a Goldring E3 on my planar 3.The colour coded posts on the rear of the Goldring are reversed compared to the bias 2

[@gonzaloalbertogajardoortiz1532]

Gracias! Buen video. Bien explicado.

[@truthful3777]

For Nagaoka cart they provide Plastic washer to the screw so as not to damage the surface of the headshell or the head of the arm of Rega. I wish cartridge manufacturer should make square catrdges so that one can visually check whether it is parallel to the test chart. With two mounting screws, there is no way to know if the cartridge is aligned properly.

[@lewisconnell6077]

Hello, thank you so much for your clarity and reassurance in this video. Could you tell me what the best protractor for the P1 is, and where to find it? As usual, every forum is full of arguments and decimal points... Thank you in advance.

[@tailwagga7701]

Cheers. V useful. Have fitted AT VM95E. I'm sure it's aligned properly (the bolts *are* slightly out of line - I'll double check again). Have just started noticing some distortion with piano recordings particularly (agressive/gentle Alice Coltrane :0 !) Was probably always there but I've got new stands and decent spkr cable so I could be hearing the reproduction better, even if distorted(?)

[@nickmoranis2865]

Thanks for the fitting advice. Although I would say the cartridge makes a massive difference in sound. Massive. That Rega Carbon is just a rebranded Audio Technica. Unbelievable on £500 P2. Bizarre. The Goldring E3 changes everything. Even on a basic Pro-Ject it transforms the detail and sound.

[@jaytorr6701]

This is brilliant. Is it worth to upgrade? I mean I am sure it sounds better but as you said at the beginning I am thinking whether it is an overkill and improvement not as pronounced.

[@1x3dil]

It’s a brave man who is prepared to say a lot of truths on this most touchy of subjects within the hifi aficionados . Of course your absolutely right especially with regards to the more budget end of the market . Certainly in my particular case God in his wisdom didn’t grant me ears to tell any difference with this subject , and provided that no damage is done to the vinyl because it not adjustable I don’t see it’s warrants to much concern . Having said that if they do decide to gang up on you , me and me mates will get them at play time . 🤣🤣🤣 Best wishes and kind regards. 👍👍👍👍😂

[@cheshireaudio]

Thank you Micheal, as expected I’ve had a couple of ‘angry internet’ types... one actually quite outraged that I’d used Regas own protractor... ??? The delete button is quite effective

[@maxhifi1232]

@@cheshireaudio I've had good results with Rega's protractor on various planars and even an Edwards Audio. I figure they made the arm why not set it their way!

[@TokyoDan0]

Hi. Very helpful video. But where di you get that cartridge alignment card? I bought my Rega new but it didn't come with such a card.

[@grumpawulf5801]

Thank you so much for sharing this. This is very helpful. I'm guessing the same thing can also be done with the P1 Plus?

[@cheshireaudio]

Yes, exactly the same

[@sam66hazmal]

Excellent video this is very useful.

[@brabuspower100]

Great video, keep them coming!

[@MarekSha]

Hello, thanks for this great video. I'm also planning to upgrade my P1 with the Ortofon 2M (likely Blue version) and my question is: can you confirm after a few months of using 2M Red cartridge that the way you set the bias with the rear weight did not cause any problems when playing the records eg. skipping or any other damage to the cartridge or the records? And the second question: don't you think you are lacking the VTA adjustment with a 2-4mm shim?. Thank you!

[@chriswills9437]

Super, would you change the platter on the P1 when funds permit or buy a P3?

[@phillipgreen9886]

Any cheaper alternative to 2m red and involve same process cheers

[@lfcmarkeb7124]

how does the vm95e compare to the more expensive O2M red suns wise offer would the blue be a better option

[@jlewis7356]

Why do you not have to change the bias. (I think that's what the little metal piece (magnet?) underneath adjusts.) I watched another video purportedly teaching the same thing and he took the whole tonearm off and moved the little metal piece underneath in and out until he got what he wanted. He also used a more complex measuring device and a record that tested the sound. This definitely made adding a new cartridge look very complicated. Your video makes it look easy. Is his approach "audiophile" and yours "good enough for most" or is his needlessly complicated? As someone new to this, conflicting approaches sure make it confusing. Can you please clarify. Also, what are the best cartridges (or maximum price range) you would consider for the P1 before just changing the table?( I.e., So you don't over-upgrade. I've heard the Nagaoka MP110 is a good contender.) Great video. Yours alone isn't confusing, just when compared to the other. I look forward to your comments. Thank you. -John

[@cheshireaudio]

It seems to be an area that some get very obsessive with. The fixed bias is set at 2g which covers pretty much all cartridges that you might fit. The amount of bias needed alters across the record and is different for quieter and louder passages, so what you set is just an approximation. Other decks at the same price may not have any bias at all, or two setting of 1g and 2g Rega have tried to make the P1 plug and play which or a good solution... I also do Project which have a hanging weight system for bias... most customer never fit, or lose the weight. The Nagaoka MP110 or Audio Technica VM95en are the top end choices

[@jlewis7356]

Thank you. I'll look at making the upgrade when my first cartridge/stylus needs replacing.

[@danieloconnor6594]

The preset bias seems to be common sense over theoretical obsession. You could ideally adjust the bias for every individual vinyl that you play or leave it set for one vinyl and play that into perpetuity. How this affects listening experience is highly questionable and seems difficult to believe that it can drastically change the overall audio of a recording. If your cartridge is aligned properly and the tracking force set using the counterweight, what else can be improved upon? Excellent video.@@cheshireaudio

[@t33d33]

Great video very usefull

[@seansrecords]

Hi , i bought my planar 1 from yourself a couple of years ago, i am thinking of changing the cartridge for a vm95en , if i bought it from you and arranged a time could i bring my table to the shop and get it fitted? obviously happy to pay a fitting fee ... i am terrible with things like this and would constantly worry i had done it all wrong ... thanks sean

[@cheshireaudio]

Of course...

[@seansrecords]

sorry i meant to email that , i was sleep deprived at weekend didnt realise i posted it here ... thanks i will call in

[@bentolemadsen5479]

Thank you it works with me

[@PhillGreen-qn1fl]

Hi how do u set overhang or is done by using the protractor

[@dropit7694]

I upgraded my Rega P2 with an Ortofon Red but when playing a record I knew well I'm picking up a very noticeable amount of simblance or static particularly on the highs. I changed back to my rega carbon and it sounds normal! Unless I damaged the stylus during installation which possible but unlikely, what else could cause this? The wires did seem loose and I had to pinch with the tweezers to get them to stay firmly on, the alignment and tracking force was all as suggested 1.8-2

[@darrylchong79]

Ortofon says rega turntables need tonearm spacers to raise it 4mm. Did you do this?

[@timmorris871]

I added a spacer (for a Blue).

[@phillipgreen9886]

Any cheaper alternative to 2m red could recommend which would require same process cheers

[@cheshireaudio]

The Audio Technica VM95 series work really well in the P1

[@damienlahoz]

where can I get one of those rega protractors? i replaced the carbon with a rega bias 2. it sounds great until it gets towards the middle of the vinyl. then distortion and tracking issues, mainly getting stuck and looping. this only seems to happen on older records but the carbon did not have this problem. the cartridge appears lined up using my protractor, looks perfect. the deck is balanced too. so im thoroughly confused as to what is causing this to happen. I ordered a blank record to see if i am tracking correctly. any advice here would be greatly appreciated. cheers

[@jlewis7356]

Having the same problem. I hope we get an answer.

[@damienlahoz]

Does anyone else feel the bass on the P1 (with the carbon cartridge) is rather anemic? Im coming from a fluance rt85, with the 2m blue which had a strong bass character.

[@rupe82]

What size allen key do I need to take the cartridge off?

[@rogercobb3092]

When doing the cartridge alignment, shouldn’t you be immobilizing the platter and placing a record on the platter then using the protractor and stylus force gauge?

[@cheshireaudio]

I like to have a bit of movement available, it would be difficult to find tune if you could only move the protractor

[@Nccr3-ht8gm]

I prefer the carban over The ortofon 2 m series any day

[@bonrosie]

Where can I get/download a Rega stylus alignment guide?

[@Colin623]

Google !

[@ptg01]

Wow... impressive to do this without Anti-Skate or VTA adjustments... I've always wondered if using the stylus force gage is enough and one can skip the balancing' the tonearm step that is usually done first..... Also, is the protractor specific to the P1 or is it more generic like the ones from Hudson Hi-FI or Mobile Fidelity ? THANKS !

[@cheshireaudio]

Alignment protractors are specific to the tone arm. The Rega one is for 222mm effective length (pivot to stylus) but all protractors are just a ‘preferred alignment’ they are never right as ‘right’ would be a straight line and they follow a curve ...

[@marvinfoxx474]

Is this the same thing as the P2 TT?

[@silkhead44]

NAGAOKA JN-P110 is a better replacement than the 2m red imo

[@olaniyi570]

Good video but I would sell it and put that cartridge money towards a 2 or 3.

[@cheshireaudio]

Agreed

[@fabiotardivelli6104]

211° like Io metterei una Rega EXACT, sembra fatta apposta per i TT della casa con MM. E' fatta a mano e ha lo stilo in diamante sintetico a taglio Vital, un tempo usato anche da Linn. Fabioo '961 14/12/2021 h. 23.52

[@ovidiobec6356]

hi, Where can I get/download a Rega stylus alignment guide? Thanks for your help!

[@taffeylewis]

You don't really need the Rega one. Go here and download the 'Rega Stevenson alignment protractor v.2' then print it on a nice bit of photo paper. www.vinylengine.com/cartridge-alignment-protractors.shtml Just installed my spare MP-11B on my RP1 and this did a really good job of aligning it.

[@ovidiobec6356]

@@taffeylewis Thanks!!!, it worked perfect for me

[@stevefurlong7859]

Why do Rega make things so complicated? Trying to align the cartridge should be pretty straightforward, so why have they made the unscrewing of the cartridge so fiddly when the usual flat-head screws on the top would be so much easier. Then after faffing about to get it straight, chances are tightening the screws will knock it out again! Can you tell I've just done it and am totally frustrated with it!?👿

[@christiansonner5749]

Talk slower, for none UK recidence! Plz

[@KonradSkowronski]

Video would be more useful if it had clear audio, voice is so boomy and unclear and diction is not perfect to be honest

[@rickc661]

late here. 60 years after hi fi became a popular thing, this is an absurd way to do things. cartridges should be simple plug the 4 contacts into the end of tonearm, one screw to hold with no tiny nuts. and no contact with the tiny wires and plug on contacts....... my fairly high $$$ Thorens has pretty much the same puny wires ( not even insulating tubing to add strength and durability ). So of course I broke one of the little plug and presto, the fairly expensive T'table became worth less than 2 cents. minimum they should all use the replaceable 2 inch wire system, designed by SME ? better, they should all just plug in. tiny, cheap, zero durability ..... for a thousand $$$. pitiful engineering.

[@displaychicken]

Cheshire audio? Kind of a cheesy name.

[@markpattinson4627]

Give this guy a couple of large whiskies.