Rega RB220

Tonearm for Planar 2

The Rega RB220 is a precision tonearm designed to deliver high performance and added value in the realm of vinyl playback. As a component of turntable systems, the RB220 reflects Rega’s commitment to engineering and attention to detail. This tonearm is the result of decades of refinement and innovation, building on the legacy of its predecessors while incorporating advancements to enhance the listening experience.

Design and Construction

At the heart of the RB220’s design is a custom-manufactured, one-piece aluminum arm tube. This carefully crafted component is optimized to reduce stress on the bearings and improve overall performance. The arm tube is paired with Rega’s ultra-low friction polymer bearings (patent pending), housed in a newly designed bearing assembly. This combination ensures smooth and precise tracking with minimal resistance, allowing the cartridge to extract the maximum amount of information from the record’s surface.

The RB220 features a three-point mounting system, providing a stable and secure connection to the turntable plinth. This design reduces stress on both the plinth and the tonearm, contributing to better stability and enhanced performance. The tonearm is meticulously hand-assembled using custom tools and torque settings, ensuring optimal alignment and consistency.

Adjustability and Compatibility

One of the standout features of the RB220 is its adjustable bias, a recent addition that broadens the tonearm’s compatibility with a wider range of cartridges. Rega’s bias system, also known as anti-skating, automatically adjusts the amount of bias as the tonearm tracks the record. This ensures consistent tracking force throughout playback, minimizing distortion and optimizing sound quality.

Setting up the RB220 is a straightforward process, thanks to its plug-and-play design. The tonearm comes pre-assembled with a factory-fitted Rega Carbon moving magnet cartridge, eliminating the need for complex installation procedures. Users can enjoy their favorite records with minimal hassle, while also having the option to upgrade to higher-end cartridges if desired.

Tonearm in Action

When paired with a well-matched turntable and cartridge, the RB220 truly shines. Its low-friction bearings and precision construction allow the cartridge to follow the record grooves with exceptional accuracy, reproducing even the most subtle musical details. The adjustable bias maintains consistent tracking force, ensuring the stylus maintains optimal contact with the record surface throughout playback.

The result is a balanced, dynamic, and musically engaging sound. The RB220 excels in reproducing the natural timbre of instruments and voices, while conveying the sense of space and atmosphere present in the original recording. Bass notes are deep and well-controlled, midrange frequencies are clear and detailed, and high frequencies are extended without harshness.

Whether you appreciate the complex nuances of a classical symphony or the raw energy of a rock album, the RB220 offers a captivating and immersive listening experience. It has the ability to uncover hidden layers in familiar recordings, breathing new life into cherished vinyl collections.

Craftsmanship and Heritage

The RB220 is a testament to Rega’s decades-long commitment to creating high-performance audio components. Each tonearm is proudly built at Rega’s purpose-built factory in Essex, England, where skilled technicians oversee every aspect of the manufacturing process. The company’s dedication to quality control and continuous improvement is evident in the fit, finish, and overall performance of the RB220.

Rega’s tonearm designs have evolved over the years, with each generation building on the successes of its predecessors. The RB220 traces its origins to the iconic RB300, which set the standard for tonearm performance in the 1980s. By incorporating modern materials, manufacturing techniques, and design improvements, the RB220 continues this proud tradition while pushing the boundaries of what is possible in its price range.

Benefits of the Rega RB220

• High-precision design and manufacturing in the UK
• Rigid, lightweight one-piece aluminum tube
• Ultra-low friction polymer bearings
• Stable three-point mounting reducing resonances
• Easy adjustments for extended cartridge compatibility
• Adjustable anti-skating for optimal track following
• Dynamic, transparent, and detailed sound reproduction
• Unbeatable performance-to-price ratio in its category
• Lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects

Technical Specifications

Construction

• Custom-made monobloc aluminum arm tube
• Three-point mounting system
• Precise hand assembly

Performance

• Ultra-low friction
• Effective mass: 11 g
• Mounting distance: 222 mm (from the center of the platter to the center of the arm hole)
• Effective length: 236.5 mm
• Offset angle: 21.55°
• Overhang: 14.5 mm

Installation and Adjustments

• Easy installation
• Adjustable azimuth

Warranty

• Lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects