How do YOU set VTF on your Rega arm??
http://db.audioasylum.com/cgi/t.mpl?f=vinyl&m=113564 http://www.audioasylum.com/audio/vinyl/bbs.html In the Find window type in, disable vtf spring rega arm . |
I got the 250 to be done with it. When I had the 300 setting the dial to 3 and then using a scale to measure the tracking force was the best sound by far. More accurate and easier to duplicate. If curious about removing the spring, look for an old thread by me, asking about removal of spring. "Basement" audiogon member(if memory serves) tells how to remove it all together. ;)-~ |
A simpler(?) explanation would be that the VTF spring acts on the back (counterweight) end of the arm. When set to "0", the spring is applying maximum force helping the counterweight to balance the arm. When the appropriate tracking force is dialed in, e.g."2", the spring force is released from the counterweight end allowing the cartridge end to become heavier by that amount. When the maximun tracking force is dialed in, the spring tension is totally released from the arm (along with any potential resonances). Rega's strategy of balancing the arm with the spring aiding the counterweight and then setting VTF by releasing spring tension is the opposite of most other manufacturer's strategies and everyone's common understanding, thus, the confusion. I hope this helps. |
I can't comment on the theory or why it works but I tried both options : namely using the dial counter on the base of the RB 300 ( its a tiny black dial) to set the VTF using the Expressimo only as a balancing counterweight.The second option which I found clearly superior was to set the VTF using the Expressimo with the dial counter at 3.5gm. Believe me the difference is not subtle. The bass definition and general LFE was way better. In case of any doubt, send me mail and I will be delighted to help. I don't see why this option can't be used even if you don't own the Expressimo.It does't cost to experiment !! |
I don't have a 300 now to check, but I can't believe that on max, the spring is "Locked" down. If it were, it couldn't function as a spring.>>>>> It is not acting as a spring. Think of it as being disabled. You are setting the VTF with the counterweight only. ============ Perhaps the resonant frequency is changed and if it is, it would change for the higher which is not good at all. Setting it to zero, gets it out of the system as I remember. >>>>>>>>>>>> I can only go by what Expressmio says in their lit..... [Quote:] For optimum performance on the RB 300-600--900-1000 set the dial pass 3 (this locks the spring down to prevent vibrations down the arm tube) then set tracking force with gage. [End of quote.] ============== |
You can still use the spring mechanism if you damp it.It is possible to put felt or foam in between the coils of the metal spring thus stopping it resonating by itself.Also it is necessary to use that mechanism if you properly use it to adjust tracking force for the requirments of each record,given that each piece of vinyl is different.It is then that the beauty of the mechanism is realised.I use it virtually "on the fly" all the time.You have to hit that spot. |
I don't have a 300 now to check, but I can't believe that on max, the spring is "Locked" down. If it were, it couldn't function as a spring. Perhaps the resonant frequency is changed and if it is, it would change for the higher which is not good at all. Setting it to zero, gets it out of the system as I remember. |
I am confused about the spring loaded adjustment for VTF on the RB300, which I am not familar with. Can you please explain the use of this adjustment on the RB300. Here is info that came with the Expressmio "The Heavy Weight". [Quote:] For optimum performance on the RB 300-600--900-1000 set the dial pass 3 (this locks the spring down to prevent vibrations down the arm tube) then set tracking force with gage. [End of quote.] ============== Follow Sunnyboy1956 directions from his post..... 09-20-07: Sunnyboy1956 |
I agree that the Expressimo counterweight does make a huge difference. If you want an even bigger difference, get the P25 (or any Rega) off of those rubber feet. You can put Cardas blocks, etc. under the table, letting the blocks support the outer wood surround. The question posed, however is the best use of the spring on the arm. It doesnt make sence to me to use it at the max, and then adjust, or use it at zero and then adjust. |
I did three things to my TT last night : used my newly acquired Kabo stroboscope to fine tune speed( it was running a tad slow ), cleaned the stylus with the Zero Dust(also new) and finally installed the Expressimo counter weight. I ended up setting the VTF counter on the RB 300 to max ie 3.5gm and then adjusted the Expressimo to achieve the recommended VTF of 1.6 gm for the Lyra Helikon using a Shure stylus gauge.The results are heavenly.I am not exaggerating but I can't see myself going back to CDs.I have over 300cds and a really top knotch $6.5k MF cdp!! On closer scrutiny I think it was the Expressimo counter weight which has made a huge difference coupled with an optimal use of the tension spring on the RB 300. NJoy |
..it seems to me that by using the spring to adjust the downward force, you still are including it in the system and it will still resonate...perhaps though at a higher frequency. Never the less, the rear counterweight would have to be set farther back to compensate for the spring tension. I think the closer the weight is to the pivot, the less inertia it can exert on the tonearm itself. Let us know the result of your experiment Sunnyboy1956. Thanks |
On a brief visit to Chicago recently, I discussed the appropriate method for adjusting the VTF on a Regs RB 300 with Bess Nivera of Music Direct( he is extremely knowledgeable apart from being a wonderful person). This was in the context of using an Expressimo counterweight. If I understood correctly, you need to dial in the max VTF(2gm) using the small counter on the RB 300 base and then adjust the VTF by moving the counter weight to achieve the desired VTF with a stylus guage. This is somewhat contrary to what I imagined, namely set the VTF counter to zero, level the tonearm paralell to the platter and thaen dial in the desired VTF using the tonearm VTF adjustment.Am still not sure which is the optimal path. The approach suggested by Bess seems to suggest using the Rega's spring adjustment to best advantage.Tonight, am going to readjust the VTF on my RB 300 Lyra Helikon combo using the Expressimo counterweight and will be happy to share my experiences. Cheers |
