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REGA VTA Question

Well, I have another rookie question. I recently purchased a Benz-Micro Glider for my REGA P5. According to REGA you are not supposed to change the VTA with any cartridge on a REGA table. The Glider is much taller than the Exact 2 cartridge that I was using. My questions is, should I leave the VTA alone, or use the REGA shims to raise up the back end of the tone-arm? The shims come only in a 2mm size. The tech at my dealer recommended raising the tone-arm by 4mm! I want to get the best sound possible! What should I do?

Also, should they use the REGA protractor for alignment, or wally tractor type mounting method. The cartridge was set up using the REAGA paper mounting guide.

Thank you for your assistance!!
rick_hilton
pkubica
134 posts
 
Hi Rick,

I recently installed a Lyra Argo i on my Rega table. The best VTA for me was with the arm slightly lower than level at the rear. Like anything, approach it slowly and listen for yourself. In my case, Rega was wrong and also the dealer was wrong. Bottom line... somewhere closer to level will probably give the best results.

I setup my cartridge with a Soundtracker protractor (It looks much like the Clearaudio protractor)and everything sounds good. However, being a tinkerer I order a Mint tractor a few weeks ago but it's not here yet. I'll be interested to see if it does better. Yip is really easy to deal with and everyone sings his praises.

Good luck with it!
Paul
johnbender
29 posts
 
You could always install one of the many VTA adjusters and experiment. I use the Origin Live threaded adjuster. It's easy to install and use. Here's a link:

http://www.tonearm.co.uk/vta-adjuster.htm

I don't care for the Rega protractor. I've had far better luck with the free protractors from Vinyl Engine. Of course, for $100 the Mint tractor is supposed to be great.
viridian's avatar
viridian
4,184 posts
 
If they don't want you to change VTA, then why do they make shims? BTW, I have both 1MM and 2MM shims, both from Rega, so they have made both. Shim away, why live with incorrect VTA?

The other question is a bit more complicated. The Rega alignment is not consonant with the maths set forth by Baerwald. The inner null point coming quite a bit closer to the lead out groove with the Rega protractor. The differences between the two alignments are readily audible and you will, no doubt, prefer one over the other. I have preferred Baerwald alignment in all systems and setups over a thirty year span, but you might not, and that's great.

"What should I do?" I want to answer this question a really different way. Rick, you should learn to do a decent alignment yourself. It is time consuming, but not difficult and it is part of what makes this a hobby. You can't rely on dealers, or experts, or anyone else's ears. Download the Baerwald protractor for free from The Vinyl Engine. Get yourself a cheap practice cartridge such as an Audio Technica AT95E or a cheap Shure. Roll up your sleeves and get to work. Michael Fremer's DVD is an excellent visual aid that takes you through all of the steps necessary to do your own setup. There is nothing more rewarding than a job well done......by yourself.
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