On my previou P9 + DV XX-2 II a 2mm shim was needed for levelling…I tried this and the music/sound deteriorated.
I swapped back to no shim and the music/sound improved.
I think this is a result of Rega’s efforts to maintain the integrity of the mechanical loop of stylus --》cartridge --》arm --》 plinth --》 bearing --》 platter.
This is true, but you still have to re-fasten the screws after loosening them, and the break danger is when you use too much torque on refastening - and the ceramic is not forgiving.
It’s what I would do. The tool costs 265 euros and I would not risk breaking the ceramic without it
Exactly the reason why they are so against them. All of the Rega design is focused on absolutely maximizing the coupling from arm to bearing and further to platter and cartridge, as you wrote. Paying a premium for a ceramic brace making this even better, then making it worse with a spacer, is not what I would do.
Plus, according to Rega at least, for the majority of cases the VTA does not matter anyway. But as said, some cartridges are not usable on the Rega without adjusting the arm height, and if FR is intent on using such a cartridge on a Rega the spacer may be a requirement
In any case FR, you have been missed here. Looking forwards to your report on your P10 + Lyra + shim!
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I will report. Thanks. For now I can just report that the shim I use on the Rega Rp10 doesn’t affect the sound. My dealer had to install the shim because the arm couldn’t be levelled properly without it, with the Delos.
I am sure he will be specially careful.
A lot of members elsewhere report the wonderful match of Rp10 and Lyra Delos, on many forums.
If we listen entirely to the brands recommendations, we will never discover other possibilities. Chord doesn’t recommend additional ps for its switch, same for Uptone…etc
What I can say is that, for me, Rega cartridges sound very average. I had the Exact, listened to the Apheta 2, Aphelion 2…and was a bit disappointed.
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I am sure he will and has this or a similar tool that allows torque setting. And if not, it is his problem rather than yours 
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Interestingly, the only Rega cartridge that I have ever used is the Apheta 3…seems like a match made in heaven, with the usual work needed in finding the correct tracking force, loading etc. I guess that the Lyra will take the usual 50 hours to start singing.
Anyway, as always, enjoy the music.
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I had the original Elys on a P3, but can’t say much about this, and now the Apheta-3 on the P10, as you know. Don’t have any complaints about this combination and no intention whatsoever to change, but I also didn’t try any other as my trusty dealer did and said there is no point anywhere at this price if I like the Rega sound and design (including its inflexibility) in the first place. (I had the package deal as well)
Yes…the package was irresistible… and so easy, for now and for the future.
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My dealer prefers much more dynavector on Rega Rp8 and Rp10.
But of course, the package is safer and less expensive too.
Each has the choice.
Sure, everyone must find their path to happiness. That’s why I didn’t even try because it sounds absolutely fine to me, my dealer is usually right, I want a no-hassle TT, and I definitely won’t do anything that Rega recommends against.
It’s your choice, and I understand.
But the problem is that a majority of person will not be able to discover that there are so many better cartridges than Rega ones. Even if they don’t sound bad at all.
My dealer sells Rega turntables since maybe 30 years, I trust him. He just responded to me by mail that there will be no problem at all. He even said that Rega tends to make believe people that their carts are the best with their turntables. I didn’t believe so and I am not the only one.
For a dealer, it’s less complicated to sell the package too.
I guess it will depend on what you define as “better”. Certainly the Apheta 2 (and presiumably also the 3) can thrill like few others with its speed, agility and ability to really get going with rhythms. It not perfect, for sure (but it’s also not that expensive either), and can come across a bit stark and lacking some refinement at times (I’m told the 3 is better here) but if edge of seat thrills are what you crave it’s right up there.
The majority don’t even hear a P1/Basic 
I would say the P10/APHETA3 is the sweet spot and for most, that will do.
It certainly did for me, well it did till i went looking for more lol
I would more say, vs what I wrote before: “ the majority of P10 or P8 owners will not have the possibility to discover other cartridges, and some of those may more suit their tastes than the Rega ones, or not …”
I agree that Rega carts are quick, resolving and involving. But, for me, IMO, they lack some magic or refinement.
However it’s me. Others can have different impressions.
I know what you meant, just joking 
Maybe you are right, but maybe those people who use Regas prefer the package that it is, while others who want to tinker buy other TTs in the first place. In any case, nothing wrong with putting whatever cart on the Rega as long as one likes the sound, of course. I just didn’t want you to break it 
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It must be very difficult to do a side by side comparrison between two cartridges, I guess that it would be a more linear process involving overall impressions.
If you are happy with the P10/APHETA3 then i would just leave all alone, dont worry and just enjoy what you have, after all its a fantastic set up, very detailed, fast and to be fair quite cheap, but.
If you want more depth and weight then you are going to have to look elsewhere, but to get both is probably going to cost a lot more, plus going forward it is also going to cost more, but as always there is always better, just need to decide if you want or need it.
It must be 4-5 years since I bought my RP10/Aphelion for £5k. From what I remember it took a lot longer than 50hrs to sound it’s best. These things are all relative because I only had 282/250 DR at the time. Vinyl was more involving than CD at the time. It’s all changed massively since then. Now with the Aura it’s pretty even.
The Aura lifts vinyl to a new level. I don’t really recognise some of the criticisms of Rega cartridges. It certainly requires time to discover the right tracking weight and that is fundamental. For the time being I have disabled the spring adjustment so I have to get the tracking weight through the counterweight. Admittedly at 1.81gm on my cheap digital scales it’s near the end so can only work with light cartridges. The Aura is on 24/7, and as is said it took 11 days to think Wow I really like that.
Phil