The legendary RB330
Rega RB330 is a turntable tonearm with low-mass aluminium arm tube, revised bias system, precision bearings and a phono cable of low capacitance fitted with Neutrik connectors.
RB330 brings together more than thirty-five years of Rega tonearm development. The design uses a new bearing housing, an arm tube redesigned using CAD and CAM, and mass distribution engineered to reduce potential resonance points. These elements are joined by a revised bias adjustment, stiffer vertical support, integrated arm clip and 100 g mild-steel counterweight.
Key features
- Redesigned vertical bearing support
- Integrated arm clip
- Improved spring housing
- Low-mass Rega aluminium arm tube
- Almost friction-free movement
- Hand-selected bearings
Arm tube and resonance control
The RB330 arm tube is shaped with different profiles along its length to redistribute mass and increase rigidity where required. The aim is to limit areas in which resonances could develop and keep the mechanical path between cartridge and pivot as stable as possible. The low-mass structure also reduces the energy the system has to control during the rapid movements imposed by the stylus.
Precision bearings
The bearing assembly uses selected horizontal and vertical bearings to provide very low friction and minimal play. The vertical housing has been stiffened and the spring mechanism redesigned to make adjustments clearer and more repeatable. Pivot stability allows the cartridge to follow record modulation without losing part of its movement through play or flex in the structure.
Wiring and adjustment
RB330 uses a phono cable of low capacitance made by Rega and finished with Neutrik connectors. Adjustable bias allows compensation to be matched to the fitted cartridge, while the 100 g counterweight sets tracking force. The combination of wiring, bearings and adjustment makes the tonearm suitable for cartridges at different levels while retaining a simple mechanical configuration.
Tonearm geometry
Effective mass is 11 g and effective length 236.5 mm. Rega combines these values with mounting designed to keep the relationship between pivot, cartridge and platter centre stable. Geometric precision, together with reduced bearing play, allows the cartridge to read very small groove variations without turning them into unwanted tonearm movement.
