HELP new to analog HELP with Rega


Hello,

I just bought an older Rega planar two 9the one with the wood surround. I am trying to get into analog. I have a few questions about set up and the sort. First the seller said it was coming with a 'new' RB-250 tone arm. I'm not sure how to tell if it's the new or old one I have. Mine has green markings on the weight. Also a green three position switch on the tone base. (what is this?) This 'new' arm seems to have had some soldering done to the connector that attached to the cartridge if this wire comes undone again am I screwed? On the subject of wires..I didn't expect Regas to come with perminant crappy interconnects ....is there a cheap solution to this? (also supprised to see no ground wire)

I have a new Grado green cartridge I think this is a good match ? Any comments?

My main problem is when playing records? Lighter passages seem to slow down a bit and warble. They never sound faster. I think this is a belt problem because my house current is quite constant but Im not sure whats causing this? Is there anyplace to get generic belts for these that don't cost the 25$ that rega charges?

Lastly what is a good solution to cleaning used records. After several cleaning with basic record cleaner most of my records seem crackly and some a bit vailed??

Thanks for your time and patience !!
Ag insider logo xs@2xsquiddy
The poor quality captive phono cable is a feature of Regas before the 25, unhappily. Grade cartridges are known to hum with Rega turntables: I had that combo, and they do in the inner grooves, so Grado-Rega is a particularly poor match, alas. The arm can be rewired--do a Google search for "HeavyWeight" and you'll get an email address for Express Machining, or some such name. Incidentally, the HeavyWeight is a VERY worthwhile upgrade, IMHO. I'm pretty sure it can go on the 250 arm, but it's a special version that does. I wouldn't worry about no separate ground wire unless you get hum. In two Rega turntables, I'm free of it, vindicating the designer's idea that a third wire is unnecessary.
Sell your Rega. Get something else that's really worthwhile. I don't mean to discourage you, but it will be good to read Extremephono's postings on the Regas. No one has dared to contradict his arguments as to why they are not a good buy...

You will be better off by acquiring a Music Hall MMF-2 or better yet, what I own (read my TT posts and you'll find out). Best under $1000 TT and beats my CDP/DAC combo...

Here's some websites that will help you get on the analog groove:

www.turntablebasics.com
www.kabusa.com