Rega RB220 Tonearm

The Rega RB220 is proof of how much careful engineering can do in a tonearm. As the standard tonearm on the multi-award-winning Planar 2 turntable, the RB220 is the culmination of over thirty-five years of tonearm design expertise. It is a precision instrument, designed to extract a stunning level of musical detail from your records. Featuring Rega's custom one-piece aluminum arm tube, patented ultra low friction polymer bearings with no measurable free play, and adjustable bias, the RB220 delivers a level of performance previously unheard of at its price point. It is the perfect, high-value upgrade for any quality turntable and a shining example of Rega's design philosophy.

Key Features

• One-Piece Aluminum Arm Tube: A single, continuous aluminum casting from headshell to bearing creates the ultimate combination of low mass and high rigidity, minimizing resonance.
• Custom Zero-Play Bearings: Rega's patented ultra low friction polymer bearings, built with no measurable free play, are housed in a stiffer, lightweight bearing housing.
• Adjustable Bias: A bias slider you set to the same figure as your cartridge's tracking force. Rega's bias system then adjusts the amount of bias as the arm tracks across the record, for even tracking throughout playback.
• Low Capacitance Phono Cable: The arm is terminated with a high-quality, low capacitance phono cable with moulded plugs for a pure signal connection.
• 3-Point Mounting System: Utilizes Rega's standard three-point mounting system for simple, rigid, and accurate installation. It directly replaces any Rega tonearm that uses the three-point mounting; for an older single-nut Rega or another make of turntable, Rega supplies a template.
• Integrated Arm Clip: A newly designed arm clip provides a more secure and elegant solution for holding the arm when not in use.

The Foundation of Performance: The One-Piece Arm Tube

At the heart of the RB220 is Rega's signature one-piece aluminum arm tube. This is not a collection of separate parts glued together, but a single, continuous casting that extends from the headshell to the main bearing pivot. This unique construction creates an incredibly stiff yet lightweight structure, free from the mechanical joints that can introduce resonance and color the sound. By eliminating these points of weakness, the RB220 provides a perfectly stable platform, allowing the cartridge to trace the groove with unerring accuracy and retrieve more musical information.

Frictionless Motion: Zero-Play Bearings

A tonearm's ability to move freely across the record is critical to its performance. The RB220 features Rega's patented polymer bearing assemblies, engineered for ultra-low friction with no measurable free play. These custom bearings are housed within a new, stiffer, and more lightweight main bearing housing. This combination ensures that the only movements the tonearm makes are those dictated by the record groove itself, resulting in stunning clarity, stable imaging, and the ability to track even the most complex musical passages without distortion.

Simple Setup: Adjustable Bias

Setting up a tonearm can be fiddly, but Rega keeps the RB220 simple. Balance the arm, then apply tracking force by turning the balance weight: half a turn adds 1 gram, a full turn adds 2. Set the bias slider to the same figure as the recommended tracking force and you are done. From there Rega's bias system adjusts the anti-skate force as the arm tracks across the record, so tracking stays even throughout playback. A protractor and arm mounting data come in the box.

A Legacy of Excellence

The RB220 is the direct result of decades of continuous refinement and a deep understanding of what makes vinyl playback sound so magical. It builds on the legendary RB tonearm line, incorporating the most advanced technologies and materials available at this level. Whether you are upgrading an older turntable or building a new one, the RB220 offers a significant leap in performance, bringing you closer to the music with the kind of rhythmic integrity and natural detail that only a Rega tonearm can provide.

The Listening Room Difference

We’re a third-generation family business with a brick-and-mortar showroom in Chestertown, Maryland, and a reputation built on trust, not hype. Whether you’re visiting in person or ordering online, we bring decades of experience, personalized service, and honest guidance to every interaction. We don’t just ship boxes. We help build systems, answer your questions like real humans, and make sure every detail of your setup is right, from the cables to the final connection. Our passion is helping you get the most out of your gear, with support that lasts well beyond the sale.

Specifications