I don't believe the RB1000 has adjustable VTA. If I decided to move forward with that arm, I would probably go with the shim-based approach. Once I get VTA roughed in for an arm/cartridge I don't usually mess with it too much, and I can buy R. Gandy's position that the increased rigidify is more important than more easily adjustable VTA.
No, the Orbe doesn't have the plinth, it's the spider edition. The way it works is there is a metal sub-chassis piece that has springs built in which sits on the kind of triangular piece. Where you can see what looks like black cylinders, these are actually just covers as there are adjustable springs underneath, where you turn a little knurled knob to adjust spring damping. The oil pumping platter bearing is seated in the metal sub-chassis.
I'm not sure about their perspective on plinth vs no-plinth - I think it just comes down to user preferences. What I do know is that the plinth can be added or subtracted at any time, but I'm fine without it.
No, the Orbe doesn't have the plinth, it's the spider edition. The way it works is there is a metal sub-chassis piece that has springs built in which sits on the kind of triangular piece. Where you can see what looks like black cylinders, these are actually just covers as there are adjustable springs underneath, where you turn a little knurled knob to adjust spring damping. The oil pumping platter bearing is seated in the metal sub-chassis.
I'm not sure about their perspective on plinth vs no-plinth - I think it just comes down to user preferences. What I do know is that the plinth can be added or subtracted at any time, but I'm fine without it.