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Cartridge for my Rega RP6

Hi folks,

I have a Rega RP6 with the Exact 2.  I like the table, but am not fond of the cartridge, as I don't feel that is reveals enough of what's on the record.

I have what I consider to be a pretty nice front end; Conrard Johnson LP260MSE monoblocks (with 8 KT120's each) and a Conrad Johnson ET5 preamplifier, with an upgraded 6922 tube.  I also have a Pass Labs (solid state) xp-15 phono stage.

I have heard the Rega RP10 with the Apheta 2, and like that sound quite a bit, particularly the simplicity of the operation/installation of the cartridge.

So, I am thinking about putting either the Apheta 2 or the Hana SL (which is a lot cheaper) on my RP6.  Has anybody heard both?  I would expect the Apheta2 (which retails for $1,800) to sound better than the Hana SL (which retails for $750), but rather than make assumptions, I thought I would ask-- who has heard both, and what are your thoughts; price vs. performance?  I know it's a subjective thing, but will the Hana provide 90% of the attributes of the Apheta2?  50%?  Just looking for some insight here.

Thanks for whatever insight you can provide.


Ag insider logo xs@2xliamowen
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,180 posts
 
If you like Classical/Chamber and Opera or Folk, I would get a Clearaudio Maestro Ebony V2 MM ($1200). If you like Jazz and Rock and Blues try a Dynavector 20x2 MC ($995). Either of these would be a excellent match with the RP6. Why you think going from a $1800 Apheta2 to a Hana (low output) is going to be a better thing is odd. I love REGA tables and these are the two cartridges I would buy If I owned a RP6 :-) 

Matt M
chakster's avatar
chakster
2,482 posts
 
Cartridge does not recognize the genre of music, a good cartridge plays all genres of music! This is very subjective point of view to recommend the cartridge for certain genre of music. A good cartridge is neutrial cartridge for all genres, if you like coloration in sound then you might think the one cartridge is for rock and another is for classical. But a good cartridge is abouth truth (what’s on the record, no coloration for specific genre of music). Victor Laboratory X-1 is one of the best MM ever made and it’s NOS (New Old Stock), mega rare Beryllium cantilever and original Nude Shibata stylus invented by Shibata-San for Victor. All info and specs on the link.

ClearAudio uses Audio-Technica generators in their cartridges, but sells them for much higher price than the AT itself, it’s better to try AT-ML170 VM OFC than any ClearAudio MM. Hanna is made by Excel Sound - a well known old Japanese OEM company, nothing special. For decades they’ve been making cheap crap, but now returned to the cartridge manufacturing. Some OEM carts made by Excel sound in the 80s were great. People are victims of the reviews, just because some MC are relatively cheap (like Hanna, on the market today) doesn't makes them superb, compared to others or even to an old MMs. 
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liamowen OP
70 posts
 
Thanks for the responses so far.  I would like to hear more to get a full perspective.

I have the Exact2 cartridge, which I think is the problem on the table (in the entire system, actually).  I was considering the Hana SL because a nice audio store recommended that cartridge over the Apheta 2. I was considering the Apheta2 because I have heard it (on a different table) and liked the sound.  In any case, I would like better sound and look forward to hearing back from  more members.  Thanks in advance for your help.
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