Rega - RP1 Pack - Performance Pack

I can't really tell a difference between this wool mat and the synthetic factory mat, or between the factory belt and this replacement belt. The Bias 2 cartridge and stylus, however, are a major improvement, with noticeably less surface noise and much less inner groove distortion than the factory Carbon cartridge and stylus. Cartridge installation was very easy. I found that merely by mounting the cartridge centered by eye in the head shell, with the counterweight as I received it from the factory, the tracking force was 1.75 grams, exactly as recommended in the cartridge manual.

I like the sound change since the switch from the carbon cartridge. What I noticed the most was the tonal quality of the voices. The downside of my experience was during installation the original cartridge pins were tinneded at the factory which made the connectors wider. I had to squeeze the connectors gently closed, which I did by the skin of my teeth. The work-hardening of the metal could have caused it to snap.

On the plus side: The belt was an improvement. But I think my old belt was starting to slip. So anything was an improvement. The new pad is better because it doesn’t stick to records when I remove them.The big negative is that the new red stylus was thinner than the old carbon stylus. So it could not connect with the record, and the arm could not be adjusted. I finally gave up and ordered a new carbon stylus (just like the old one). The red stylus remains on the side of my turntable as a reminder that the kit was mostly a disappointment.There was no useful instructions. I had to purchase a protractor to make sure my carbon stylus that I put back was adjusted properly.Bottom line is if you have an RP1, buy a carbon replacement. Then buy the pad and belt separately.

Noticeable improvement in sound clarity from the needle and belt that came with the rp1. I could take or leave the wool slip mat I like my cork mat better.

One of the gratest brand I've tried

very nice