ortofon 2m bronze vs rega Exact 2 cartridge

Fly in the ointment here. I prefer the Bronze over the Black. It sounds more alive while the Black sounds more closed in and darker. Both were new so maybe the Black need to open up. I would go with the Bronze, tweak the VTA and see how it goes.

You might consider changing the Kimber cable to some PCOCC solid core. You will notice a purer sound, better focus and less "noise".

If you're able to tweak the VTA with shims to your liking, then by all accounts either the Bronze or Black should be a good mate with your arm. I've only used the Rondo Bronze with a Rega-style arm on a Linn, but was able to adjust the VTA, so that won't be of much help to you.

I'm currently breaking in an Exact 2 on my Rega RP10 until my Apheta 2 comes in from backorder. As others have said, easy to setup a Rega cart on a Rega arm.

I'm running the RP10 into the MM section of a Zesto Andros, then into an SLP-98P line stage and Six Pac amps. Will let you know how things sound after break-in.

I have never been a fan of the Rega three-point mounting. The alignment is basically Stevenson, which makes perfect sense if you listen to classical music as the highest groove velocities are freqently at the end of the side, however for jazz and popular music the Baerwald alignment is thought by many to be superior. I prefer this alignment, even when using Rega cartridges.

The Ortofons are designed to be compatible with the Rega arms and, it's completely a matter of personal taste, but I would take the Bronze and align it with Baerwald algnment, though the Exact is also a cracking good cartridge and many will prefer it.

I just went to buy a Ortofon black and the Dealer talked me into a Bronze. Said the Black is a shibata and a lot more fussy. And the bronze was half the price