RB880 - Turntable REGA - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Tonearm
Brand	Rega
Model	RB880
Effective Length	240 mm
Overhang	18 mm
Offset Angle	24.5°
Mounting Distance	222 mm
Effective Mass	11 g
VTA Adjustment	Yes, via adjustable base or shims
Azimuth Adjustment	Yes
Anti-skate Mechanism	Magnetic, adjustable
Headshell	Fixed, integrated
Arm Tube Material	Aluminum alloy
Bearing Type	Single-point with low friction bearings
Counterweight	Included, adjustable
Recommended Cartridge Weight	6 – 10 g
Tracking Force Range	1.0 – 2.5 g (typical)
Internal Wiring	Rega standard wiring with phono connectors
Net Weight	Approx. 250 g
Color	Black
Compatibility	Rega turntables (RP1, RP3, P3, etc.) and other turntables with standard mounting

Frequently Asked Questions - RB880 REGA

How do I install the RB880 tonearm on my turntable?

To install the Rega RB880 tonearm, first ensure your turntable has a compatible mounting hole spacing (222 mm from pivot to spindle). Remove the old tonearm and mount the RB880 using the provided screws. Connect the internal wiring to your phono stage or preamp. Adjust the overhang to 18 mm using the alignment protractor. Set the tracking force and anti-skate according to cartridge specifications.

What is the correct overhang setting for the RB880?

The correct overhang for the Rega RB880 is 18 mm. This is measured from the stylus tip to the spindle when the tonearm is parallel to the record groove. Use an alignment protractor designed for a 240 mm effective length to verify. Incorrect overhang will cause tracking errors and distortion.

How do I adjust the tracking force on the RB880?

To adjust tracking force on the RB880, first set the counterweight so that the tonearm is balanced (floating). Then rotate the calibrated tracking force dial on the counterweight to the desired value, typically between 1.0 and 2.5 grams per cartridge manufacturer recommendations. Use a stylus force gauge for accuracy.

How do I set anti-skate on the RB880?

The RB880 uses a magnetic anti-skate mechanism. Locate the small adjuster near the pivot. Start with the anti-skate set to the same value as the tracking force. Fine-tune by listening for channel imbalance in the left and right channels. Some users prefer a slightly lower anti-skate value. Adjust until distortion is minimized.

Can I use the RB880 with a non-Rega turntable?

Yes, the RB880 can be used with other turntables if the mounting hole pattern matches (222 mm pivot-to-spindle distance). You may need to drill new holes or use an adapter plate. Ensure the tonearm base fits the turntable's plinth and that the wiring connections are compatible. Professional installation is recommended.

What type of cartridge works best with the RB880?

The RB880 has an effective mass of approximately 11 g, making it suitable for medium-compliant cartridges. Recommended cartridge weight is between 6 and 10 g. Moving magnet cartridges like the Rega Bias, Elys, or Ortofon 2M series work well. Moving coil cartridges with appropriate compliance can also be used. Aim for a resonance frequency between 8 and 12 Hz.

How do I adjust VTA on the RB880?

The RB880 allows VTA (Vertical Tracking Angle) adjustment by raising or lowering the tonearm base. Use the provided shims or an adjustable base plate to achieve the correct arm height so that the arm is parallel to the record surface when playing. This optimizes tracking angle and reduces distortion.

The tonearm is not moving smoothly – how to fix?

If the RB880 tonearm feels stiff or sticks, check the bearings for dirt or damage. Ensure the anti-skate magnet is not interfering. Clean the pivot area with a soft brush and isopropyl alcohol. Check that the wiring is not tangled or creating drag. If the issue persists, consult a professional or Rega customer support.

What is the effective mass of the RB880?

The effective mass of the Rega RB880 tonearm is approximately 11 grams. This value is important for matching with cartridge compliance to achieve a proper tonearm-cartridge resonance. A resonance frequency between 8 and 12 Hz is ideal for record playback.

How do I mount a cartridge on the RB880?

To mount a cartridge on the RB880, remove the headshell cover if present. Use the two mounting screws to attach the cartridge to the slots, aligning the cartridge body parallel to the headshell. Tighten screws gently. Connect the wiring leads (color-coded: white-left positive, blue-left negative, red-right positive, green-right negative). Then set overhang and tracking force.

USER MANUAL RB880 REGA

Introduction

Designed using the latest 3D CAD & CAM technology, the new RB880 is the culmination of almost 40 years of tonearm design experience. This tonearm features a new aluminium vertical bearing housing, a redesigned sleeve and vertical bearing shaft (both manufactured from stainless steel) to improve mounting stability and overall rigidity. The advanced tonearm tube is designed using intelligent redistribution of mass, ensuring this arm will exhibit fewer points of possible resonance. The extreme levels of stability achieved, coupled with almost friction free movement from the high precision hand matched bearing assemblies, guarantee to gather more information from your vinyl than ever before. You will also find Rega made new low capacitance phono cables terminated with high specification phono plugs.

Arm balancing and setup

With the cartridge correctly mounted and with the stylus guard removed, ensure that the tracking force dial and bias adjustment are set to zero. Adjust the balance weight until the arm is “floating”, with the stylus approximately 1mm clear of the record.

Note: It is normal for the arm to swing back towards the arm clip position even with the bias set at zero. Therefore, it is advisable to gently hold the arm bearing carrier (just below the tracking dial) thus preventing horizontal movement during the balancing procedure.

Applying tracking pressure

Once the arm is balanced, rotate the tracking force adjustment dial to the required tracking force. Numbers ‘0’ to ‘3’ are marked on the dial. If in doubt, it is usually advisable to use a tracking force that corresponds with the upper limits of the cartridge manufacturer’s range.

Applying Anti - Skating (bias) adjustment

Set the bias adjustment slider located to the same figure as the cartridge tracking force pressure quoted by your cartridge manufacturer. Note: This is not critical and a figure between 1.5 & 2.0 will normally be suitable for most moving magnet cartridges.

Bias adjustment

Your arm is now balanced, setup and ready to use. If you have any doubts regarding installation or setup, please contact your official Rega dealer who will be able to carry out the work for you. Thank you for purchasing this Rega product and we wish you many hours of musical enjoyment.

Fitting your tonearm

The RB880 will directly replace any other Rega tonearm that currently uses the 3 point mounting, without any modification. If fitting to another manufacturers product or an older Rega turntable (with the single point nut fixing), the supplied template should be used as a guide to ensure correct position and alignment. With so many variants in turntable models, it is important to contact your turntable manufacturer if in any doubt before making any holes in plinths or arm boards. Before attempting to fit the RB880 arm to the turntable, it is important to ensure that there is sufficient clearance beneath the turntable and that the arm does not hit the lid, top or sides. Having checked that there is sufficient clearance in all directions (including the maximum potential arm movement horizontal and vertical), the next step is to find the position of the centre of the arm mounting hole. The easiest way to do this will be to use the arm mounting template supplied.

Arm mounting template guide

The supplied template is for mounting Rega three point fixing arms to other manufacturers turntables.

N.B. Protractor for cartridge alignment is also printed on the same template.

1. The template should be kept flat and not bent. The distance between the centre of the spindle and the centre of the arm hole is critical and must be 222 mm. This template will help you check your positioning before you attempt fitting and drilling.

2. Position the other end of the template so that the clearance arc is within the rear and side edges of the turntable base (and the lid when closed). Also check that there is at least 250 mm clearance from the centre of the hole to the inside front of the turntable.

3. Use a long pointed probe such as a needle and push it through the 'arm hole centre' on the template. Keep the needle perpendicular to the template and mark the position of centre on the turntable.

4. Having marked the centre, check again that if the arm is placed in this position it will clear the under side of the turntable and the lid. Also, check that the arm is in a satisfactory position to ensure easy operation and that the position is pleasing aesthetically. When you are certain that the arm hole centre is in its correct position (exactly 222 mm from the record centre), you can drill the required arm hole.

5. The arm mounting pillar requires a diameter of 25 mm which will provide adequate clearance for accurate fitting. You can then drill the three screw mounting holes as illustrated on the template. Make sure the arm is straight and the holes are correctly aligned before drilling.

6. With the holes drilled, you are now ready to fit the arm to the turntable. Ensure that you also follow the turntable manufacturer's instructions regarding arm fitting. Each individual turntable manufacturer may have different requirements regarding positioning of the arm signal lead.