I recently acquired a Rega RP6 to use as the base for a custom turntable project. Upon setting up the deck, it became immediately apparent that the arm lifter, (the small plastic device used by the more heavy-handed among us as a way to avoid manually placing and lifting the stylus), was unable to raise the arm enough to allow the stylus to clear the top of a thicker vinyl pressing.
A quick search around the net for a set of instructions on how to correctly adjust the lifter resulted in several forum posts detailing various methods of adjustment, using various tools, with varying degrees of success. As, to my knowledge, Rega don’t offer any official instructions on this procedure, I shall enlighten you with a tried and tested method which I have successfully used myself and can vouch for.
First of all, you’ll need a 1.3MM Hex key, more commonly referred too as an Allen key. It is at this point I ask you – does anyone else wonder just who this famed Allen guy is? The man must be a genius. Surely one who can create yet another type of screw, the head of which looks awfully reminiscent of a torx screw, which due to its 6th ‘point’ for want of a better description no torx driver will fit must be rolling in the cash. But i digress.
(note; a quick internet search will reveal that the name ‘Allen’ does not originate from the Hex Keys famous creator, but is in fact a registered trademark originated by the Allen Manufacturing Company of Connecticut and now owned by Apex Tool Group, LLC.)
In the front of the small plastic lift arm of your turntable, you’ll find a tiny set screw, in the area where the lift arm adjoins the lift shaft. Adjusting the height of the lifter simply involves loosening this set screw, lifting the lift arm to the correct height, and re-tightening the screw whilst holding the arm in place.
I’d advise performing this procedure with the lifter in the raised position, as it makes accessing the set screw easier, and allows you to inspect the height of your arm before tightening. Also note that the screw, and indeed the lift assembly itself is exceptionally fragile, so care is advised.
And there you have it – your stylus will now clear the top of thicker vinyl pressings. Or at the very least, you’ve learned a thing or too as regards the origination of the name ‘Allen Key’… Or perhaps, of course, you simply skipped to this paragraph and have gained nothing at all. Either way, until next time…
