Show us your phono cartridge

yes and no. Yes, using all Rega will get the VTA very near but no manufacturer can get the placement of a diamond on the stylus exactly (or indeed the stylus) in the same place each time. There is a margin of error and so the VTA can be effected. Small adjustments using the best tool available i.e. one’s ears and lowering or raising the arm a bit can bring benefits. Same with bias small adjustments can reap rewards. If the arm is working well when the cartridge is in the right place in all planes you can hear that it has suddenly come into focus in a sweet spot.

Any manufacturer that has cartridges made with same as deck or arm branding still need set up for proper geometry, VTA “ arm height”
And Stylus Pressure and Bias setting.
:thinking:

I was assuming he meant Rega factory fitted arm and cartridge to one of their decks.

1 Like

I get that but should still need setup by dealer after shipping. :+1:
It’s not a plastic all in one box.

2 Likes

Quite so, and the adage of trust nothing does apply. I have set up many cartridges by the numbers to get a starting point but found a slight adjustment here and there snaps the best performance into place. I have found this especially true of Shibata/Microline and the like diamond profiles.

1 Like

You’ve got the best idea. :+1:
Averages can be guessed prior but they don’t know what thickness of albums you’ve got or whatever.
I once had an argument in a record shop I was going to buy a record but wanted to see it turning first to check for warp.
The guy said if your deck is that good it should play anything. :roll_eyes:
I replied not much chance of winning a Forest Stage Rally with an F1 car. :rofl:

2 Likes

I remind you of

3 Likes

I wished I hadn’t said anything now! :wink:

I’d just wondered whether it was a ‘low rider’ as the Exact, which it obviously is.

Aside from its obvious musicality I wished they’d given it a little more space for the odd warped record.

Looks great though :+1:

1 Like

Lol. RG has a thought on that.

Normal advice:

Most informed advice is to keep the arm tube roughly parallel to the record surface. In fact, the

VTA becomes more correct as the rear of the arm is lowered as much as possible, the limit being

when the arm or cartridge touches the record

If you raise arm height you will create clearance at the compromise of geometry.
But then most things are compromise.
I’ve seen many “ low riders cured “ by having better arm height to VTA
Just by an Ortofon Concorde. :rofl:

1 Like

:clap:

Thanks for posting. There is also an excellent article by Geoff Husband, on TNT audio, where he reached a similar conclusion.

1 Like

I’m just basing the height against my Dynavector on the LP12 (a lot more). If it (Dyna) suddenly gets close to the album I know I’ve wrecked the suspension :joy:

1 Like

You’ve spot on
Suspension wear and “ fault “ can be kiss of death.
I’ve seen identical cartridges on removable headshells being swapped with no adjustments and the record clearance being different.
The worst I’ve noticed are Linn Adikt some of those are low riders to the point of being useless.
Maybe that’s why they keep making variations of it.
At this level I would expect most to be competent at the basics these aren’t plug n play “ or shouldn’t be “ :thinking:

2 Likes

Yes whilst I’m sure I’m more than competent in changing the cartridge, I prefer to leave it to David from the Sound Org, York!

I think that is the important point. Variations in the vinyl are my worry. If the vinyl is warped the chances of the rear of the cart bottoming are increased. I just use my most warped to check clearance. So far no vta needed but if I go to Umami then I will need a spacer. It’s why I haven’t yet, and am still thinking about the excalibur.

1 Like

Am I right in thinking there is no height adjustment on rega arms other than putting in spacers.
Bit poor if ideal is in between.
Introducing separate parts at the most important mounting point seems a bit compromise.
I much prefer the locking bolt on pillar approach it’s fully adjustable and not limited by steps.
That’s a Tragedy
See what I did. :scream:

1 Like

OK, sorry for starting rumors. Actually glad to know as I plan to go to an ND7 on my P6 after the Exact wears out.

Nothing difficult in settling up a cartridge, checking alignment, checking weight, bias, VTA.
Additionally, worthwhile understanding and employing those skills if you’ve shelled out on a deck that demands set up.
I am amazed that so many depend on dealer to oerfirm relatively simple set ups and experiment therein to obtain the perfect presentation.

2 Likes

Funny how an arm manufacturer does not have VTA adjustment advocates VTA is unnecessary! :laughing:

I really like the Micrometer style VTA on my Audiomods series 6 arm.

It should be said (I am sure you know) that VTA is only one variable in setting up a cartridge well. It needs to be done in conjunction with SRA (related to VTA) Stylus force, azimuth, overhang/alignment and Bias.

All these can be helped with tools to measure them but once you have it on the numbers the best instrument of all is your ears. To mine when all variables have combined to be in the right place it will sound better and kind of snap into focus. This can be particularly evident with bias adjustment when you have it tuned in, the channel balance just pops into place.

1 Like

Ain’t that the truth. :wink: :+1:

1 Like