ortofon 2m bronze vs rega Exact 2 cartridge

Fly in the ointment here. I prefer the Bronze over the Black. It sounds more alive while the Black sounds more closed in and darker. Both were new so maybe the Black need to open up. I would go with the Bronze, tweak the VTA and see how it goes.

You might consider changing the Kimber cable to some PCOCC solid core. You will notice a purer sound, better focus and less "noise".

If you're able to tweak the VTA with shims to your liking, then by all accounts either the Bronze or Black should be a good mate with your arm. I've only used the Rondo Bronze with a Rega-style arm on a Linn, but was able to adjust the VTA, so that won't be of much help to you.

I'm currently breaking in an Exact 2 on my Rega RP10 until my Apheta 2 comes in from backorder. As others have said, easy to setup a Rega cart on a Rega arm.

I'm running the RP10 into the MM section of a Zesto Andros, then into an SLP-98P line stage and Six Pac amps. Will let you know how things sound after break-in.

I just went to buy a Ortofon black and the Dealer talked me into a Bronze. Said the Black is a shibata and a lot more fussy. And the bronze was half the price