Stock Rega arm-wiring -- how Cheesey???


Guys,

I'm setting up a BIX turntable with a stock Rega RB250 and I bought an upgrade stainless steel counterweight and arm stub. I'm concerned that the stock arm cable appears cheesey, cheap, cheap, cheap. I see a lot of folks upgrading the wiring. My question is: just how terrible is the stock wire? Is it at least listenable?

I also have a Profile II arm, which I was thinking of mounting instead, but I'm concerned that the armboard hole might be in the wrong location (for proper geometry) because the pivot-to-stylus distance is 10mm shorter on the Profile arm.

Any comments or suggestions? If someone has used the stock Rega arm wire and then switched to something better, I'd be interested in hearing your impressions of how the sound improved.

Thanks!
plato

Showing 3 responses by plato

Thanks Gslone, I appreciate your experience. I think I'm going to hook it up tomorrow and see what I get. It may not be all that bad. :)
Nzera, that's exactly the input I was looking for. I'll be trying it out later today after I install the cartridge and set the platter speed. Many Thanks!
Okay, I finally got the BIX up and running after solving many little snags and snares, and it sounds quite good.

It lacks the fine detailing of my Michell Orbe SE at 5 times the price, but for an entry level turntable costing under $1100 including the arm, counterweight mod, cartridge, and shipping, it sounds very dynamic and lifelike and has very good focus. And the bass kicks serious butt for a tt in this price range. It's tight, articulate, and extended.

I think it's a good, slightly lower-cost alternative to the VPI Scout, although it wasn't as easy to set up and if you need a part it'll ship from Hong Kong, so be prepared to wait!