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Confused about Rega and VTA....

Hello audiophiles-

I have a Rega Rp6 TT with Exact 2 cartridge.  I’m interested in upgrading the cartridge to a MC and am deciding between the Hana EL and the Hana SL.  The dealer I am working with (who will install the Hana cartridge) says Hana SL is only better if VTA can be adjusted.  

So this is the source my confusion!  It looks like Rega discourages adjusting VTA on its tables.  Yet it also looks like people do it all the time (and use spacers etc).  So my question is am I making a mistake getting the technically better cartridge (the SL) if it requires VTA adjustment?  With the Rp6 would I be better off with the Hana EL for this reason?

Two other questions:  does anyone have a recommendation about where to buy spacers?

Should I also get a Groovetracer counterweight while I am futzing around with the table?  (It looks like the Hana cartridges are pretty similar in weight to the Exact, so not sure if this would be something with sonic advantages or not,)

I do have the Groovetracer subplatter now.

Thanks for any insights!  Margot
mcanaday
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
The Rega spacer is one size. Expensive too.
You can make spacers out of anything!
Paper, card, plastic.. The trick is to cut it to fit.
I am surprised no one offers a stack of card or plastic wafers or metal shims to customize the height?
The aftermarket also have wide spaces for only a few adjustment heights.
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
4,908 posts
 
The UK company Audiomods makes a fantastic arm that is a drop-in replacement for the Rega arms, and provides height adjustment (a micrometer is an option). The arm is a unique design, individually made by a master machinist, the arm tube actually being sourced from Rega. Details on the Audiomods website.
ddzstereo
29 posts
 
If you plan on using assorted weights of vinyl (which generally impacts vinyl thickness) optimal SRA is maintained via adjustment of VTA.  If all of your LPs are essentially the same thickness, set it once and leave it.

Yes I have VTA on the fly and make adjustments based on the weight/thickness of the vinyl and it is audible, at least on my system.  Once you have determined the setting for each weight it is fast adjustment. 
mr_m
1,087 posts
 
I had a RP-6 some years ago. I ordered a round black disc that had various levels of height on it. You loosened the three anchor screws for the tonearm, and put this spacer under it. You turned the spacer  to get the proper level of height with it and then re-anchored the tonearm. This spacer was made by Rega. Cost was approx. $30.
rshak
309 posts
 
I use Acoustic Signature spacers on my P9's:

https://www.needledoctor.com/Acoustic-Signature-Spacer-Set-for-Rega-Small

They also come in "Large" now - - not sure what the difference between the sizes may be.  When I got mine in 2015 there was only one size (AFAIK).
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