Origin Live Rega Modification Kits - Manual (Page 9)

9
Installation and Set up of
Rega & Origin Live tonearms
I N S T A L L I N G T H E A R M
I N T R O D U C T I O N
Rega arms and Origin Live arms require mounting dimensions such that the centre of the platter to the centre of arm
hole is approx 223mm plus or minus 2mm tolerance and the hole diameter for the arm is 24mm to 25 mm.
Please note that for the Origin Live Silver 250 tonearms - do not adjust bearing tightness - this is carefully set at
factory - it may seem that there is slight “play” in the bearings - this is deliberate and must be left alone or degradation
will result - it is not actually play in the bearings but carefully designed clearance tolerances of other components.
V T A ( V E R T I C A L T R A C K I N G A D J U S T M E N T )
To allow the cartridge needle to track at the correct angle it is important that the base of the arm is at the correct
height in relation to the platter. Usually the optimum setting is such that the TOP edge of the arm is parallel with the
surface of a FLAT record – you can use a piece of card with parallel lines drawn on it to check this once the cartridge
is fitted.
Most cartridges have a height of 17mm and if this is the case, then the base of the arm should rest approximately
31mm below the top of the platter surface. If your cartridge height is different you can work out where the base of the
arm should be from the preceding figures.
I F Y O U D O N O T H A V E A V T A A D J U S T E R
If you do not have a VTA adjuster then use the 2 large spacing washers supplied to set the arm base to the
correct height according to the above figures
It is recommended to place the large serrated washer (supplied by Origin Live) under the large base nut as
shown in the diagram “Rear end view of counterweight”. For decks with metal arm-boards (e.g the
Gyrodeck) it sounds best NOT to fit the serrated washer - if in doubt listen to the difference. The washer
does not always fit on the Rega 3 deck - if this is the case leave it off.
Bolt the arm to the armboard or plinth - you only need tighten the large bolt to finger tightness or very
slightly tighter ("nipped tight 1/16 turn"). It is best to experiment by listening to music. This may seem
laborious but you will be richly rewarded as this adjustment is CRITICAL for performance. The mistake is
often made of over tightening this nut with the result that the music is deadened.
I F Y O U H A V E T H E O R I G I N L I V E T H R E A D E D V T A A D J U S T E R
( W H I C H F I T S A L L D E C K S )
Thread the adjuster onto the arm. Ensure that the threaded metal sleeve is the right way up with the recess on the
top side. This ensures that the arm goes all the way down into the sleeve. If you find your arm is too high with
fitted then you should remove it as it adds 1.5mm to the height of the arm. As a starting point set up the arm
such that it is parallel with a FLAT record, if not rotate the VTA adjuster at the arm base to get the level right.
It is recommended to place the large serrated washer (supplied by Origin Live) under the large base nut as shown
below. For decks with metal armboards (eg the Gyrodeck) it sounds best NOT to fit the serrated washer - if in
doubt listen to the difference. The washer does not always fit on the Rega 3 deck - if this is the case leave it off.
Bolt the arm to the armboard or plinth - you only need tighten the large bolt to finger tightness or very slightly
tighter ("nipped tight 1/16 turn"). It is best to experiment by listening to music. This may seem laborious but
you will be richly rewarded as this adjustment is CRITICAL for performance. The mistake is often made of over
tightening this nut with the result that the music is deadened.
If your armboard is less than 10mm thick you will need to fit an arm “packing washer” between the armboard
and the large bolt or it will not “clamp” on the 4mm thick armboard.