Rega P2 ND5 issues

[keybatonman]

Just looking for some advice...
I have a 2016 Rega P2 (so no user changeable anti skate). I've recently upgraded the cartridge to an ND5. Whilst it is a huge upgrade in sound quality, I'm encountering problems and looking for advice.
Firstly, I should say the table is level and I use scales to check the downforce 1.75 as recommended by Rega.
My issues are:
*Tone arm pulls to the right (away from the record) when dropping
*Skips fairly frequently
*Seems distorted at times, especially in louder music, and more towards the centre of the record.

I should say no such problems with my old cart - but sound quality nowhere near as good (except for the distortion).

Any help or thoughts hugely appreciated,
Thank you!

 

[nopiano]

Welcome to the forum.

Your explanation certainly implies too much anti-skate. What downforce did your previous cartridge track at?

I’m not sure if there’s a hidden adjustment somewhere, but others here might know. Must admit I thought only the P1 was preset, but maybe your early-ish P2 was also. 😢

 

[nopiano]

A quick google led me to this YouTube video which looks remarkably helpful if you fancy a bit of DIY.

And I found previous threads here that earlier P2 had preset antiskate.

View: https://youtu.be/bb8STonWhg4?si=iH_LprO_qmdbv6yK

 

[nopiano]

And a massive thread here…

https://www.vinylengine.com/turntable_forum/viewtopic.php?f=32&t=100125&sid=652a23bcd215acac753975ef73307435

 

[keybatonman]

Welcome to the forum.

Your explanation certainly implies too much anti-skate. What downforce did your previous cartridge track at?

I’m not sure if there’s a hidden adjustment somewhere, but others here might know. Must admit I thought only the P1 was preset, but maybe your early-ish P2 was also. 😢

Thanks for this, and I'll have a look through those links too. The rega carbon I think was around 2g. I'm starting to think I might have bought something that is just not quite compatible with my turntable

 

[nopiano]

Thanks for this, and I'll have a look through those links too. The rega carbon I think was around 2g. I'm starting to think I might have bought something that is just not quite compatible with my turntable

Well, to be frank, you have. But it is fixable, and will sound more refined than the Carbon, which is pleasant but a bit subdued iirc.

Or you might sell the P2 with the Carbon, and save your new Nd5 for a Rega P3 If finances permit.

 

[daytona600]

• carbon Tracking pressure 2-3 g
• ND5 Tracking pressure 1.75g

Can you change the Bias & the VTF
Rega are great for fiddling with and are very sensitive to
VTA , VTF , Azimuth , Zenith , Surface placed on , Shims , Spacers , Belts , PSU
Mats , Platters , Inner Platters , Counterweights , Isolation , Feet

Technics are great for , remove record from sleeve , place record on deck , Enjoy Today or in 40 years

 

[RoA]

Well, to be frank, you have. But it is fixable, and will sound more refined than the Carbon, which is pleasant but a bit subdued iirc.

Or you might sell the P2 with the Carbon, and save your new Nd5 for a Rega P3 If finances permit.

This although it won’t solve your issue right now.