New Rega Planar 1 - keeps skipping backwards

So I just got my new Rega Planar 1. Set it all up, everything looks and sounds great. I've got two records that have never been played before. They're 180g remasters and for the most part they sound good, but after a couple of songs they get stuck. They just keep skipping backwards and repeating the same bit over and over - like your typical broken record. The turntable is brand new and the records are brand new. The turntable is not on the same surface as the speakers. I have no idea why this is happening, so any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

Is the turntable absolutely level? If it is...it sounds like the tracking force isn't set correctly.

 

Is this your first turntable ?
I ask because I do not wish to offend.
Before doing anything if you have a stylus force gauge record tracking force.
Check what bias setting you are on.
Once done rotate counterweight on tone arm till arm floats or It is in balance..
With bias off tap the arm. it should swing in and come to rest. If it sticks on the same spot that the record sticks then there is s fault .
Now and only now. Check to see if the turntable is level. If it's not level then level it.
Tap the arm again to see how it fairs
If your happy the dial in. The required tracking force.
Set bias accordingly,
If you still have problems find An experienced technician.

 

Not only check the tracking force (sounds like it is light) but also check the anti-skate.

 

This is apparently one of the new Planar 1 tables, so it has auto bias (no settings for it on the arm).

 

Can you check and see if by chance the wires from the arm to the cart are hanging down too low and contacting the album?

 

Also double check tracking force (on the planar 1, the weight goes all the way forward so it should be fairly easy to set).

 

Thanks for the help. Yeah the wires are fine, no contact with the album. And yes, the weight is all the way forward as far as it can go.

 

Do you have a VTF gauge that you can check the tracking force with?

 

And does it only happen on those 2 albums? Other albums play fine?

 

What cartridge did you get with it?

 

Since I made the post I've played some more albums, including a latest pressing plastic Ono band which also repeats the same line on the last song over and over. Again, this is a never before played record just out the box.

 

The stock rega carbon cartridge

 

Sadly I do not

 

And you verified that the turntable itself was perfectly level?

 

Cures in here

Rega RP1... my records skip »

 

do you know how to correctly balance a tonearm and set the weight correctly?

 

This is a very basic requirement! I cannot understand why so many people 'get into' vinyl and remain so clueless/don't bother to find out about turntable set up. It is a fairly expensive hobby anyway so the need to get things right from the start is beneficial on all levels or it can lead to dissatisfaction with the medium at the very least, if not lasting damage to stylus and/or records. There is no excuse; there are many helpful videos on Youtube.

 

You need a gauge! Also what Rega says may not be true re your table. To get mine set up correctly when I pushed it all the way forward I always ended up backing off about half a turn.

 

Quote from thread which should be noted by the OP.

"The weight is at the stop point? That's over 3 gms tracking force, right?

You need to "float" the tone arm. 1st set the anti-skating to "0" then, Set the tracking force indicator to "0" and then adjust the counterweight until the arm is balanced or "floats". Then turn the indicator to the midrange recommendation for your cartridge. Then set the anti-skating to the same."

Think the Carbon tracks at 2.3 grms.

Rega dealers should be checking TTs and setting them up as they used to do so this doesn't happen. Order an Ortofon gauge of Ebay for apprxo £10 and check VTF accurately. Appears anti skate takes care of itself on this new design. Also worth checking the Vinyl Engine website for further help on TT set up.

 

I only use a gauge for micro tuning
balance the arm, then VTF of 1.6 to 1.9 and bias (if adjustable) the same, mind you according to Rega bias isn't that important.

Then play some records, if it sounds too thin or skips, add some weight, very slowly, too much bass and squashed dynamics is too heavy

 

Grahams still set them up before despatch or collection

 

Carbon needs higher VTF being a conical tip.

OP obviously didn't buy from Grahams. Probably on line.

 

Yeah, my bias has been on 0 for 10 years!

 

Does it skip in the same spot on both albums? (For example, 2" in from the edge of the record)
Or does it happen in different spots in the 2 albums? Does it happen on both sides of the albums as well?