Schroeder Model 2 for Technics + Ortofon 2M Black

Yes, the Model-2 has a 222 mm pivot to spindle distance and a 239 mm effective length.

If the Rega is mounted on a Rega turntable, then they use a Stevenson alignment which is slightly closer to the record spindle, with the cartridge mounted to produce a 237 mm effective length. Many will mount their Regas on other tables to 222 mm pivot to spindle distance (239 mm effective length).

In any case, the hole diameter for a Rega tonearm is larger than the arm stub diameter of a Model-2, so that you can mount it correctly (at 222 mm) on any turntable that was drilled correctly (either to Rega's alignment or the Baerwaald 222/239 alignment).

Also, as I mentioned in the currently active thread on getting pivot to spindle distance right (http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?eanlg&1210959908&openfrom&17&4#17), the Model-2 allows you to move the cartridge fore and aft in a slot in the arm tube. This is not the case with the DPS and the Reference which both lock your effective length for any particular cartridge.

Also, the wait for Schroeders is about two years these days. I receive them so infrequently that it's impossible to have real-world statistics, but know that my next in line Schroeder customer ordered his tonearm in June of 2006.

Cheers,
Thom @ Galibier

Hello Tom,
Thanks for weighing-in on this unusual quest.

As I would want to use Baerwaald alignment, and if I used the Rega-friendly mounting plate I already own, would I just mount the Schroeder 2 further back on the plate? (since the hole for a Rega is larger than the hole needed for a Schroeder there is 'room to move' available)

Alternatively, would I be better off having the manufacturer of the plate make one specifically for the geometry of a Schroeder that would also position the arm exactly according to Baerwaald alignment? (then I could move the cartridge every so slightly if the positioning was slightly off)

There is also the question of arm height. The mounting plate I bought (made to take a Rega RB300/RB250) positions the tonearm lower in the plinth to allow for the height of the Technics platter (as already mentioned, the plate also positions the tonearm further back and away from the platter to enable the correct alignment of a Rega type arm)

Looking at the pictures of the Schroeder 2, the arm looks rather tall. Do you know how much VTA there is available of the Schroeder 2? Is its height also similar to a Rega RB300/RB250 tonearm?

Tom- I forgot to ask how well the Model 2 can accommodate a Ortofon 2M Black high-ish compliance moving magnet cartridge?

Hi Dsa,

If I remember correctly, the standard Rega mount uses a 222 mm pivot to spindle distance to achieve a Stevenson alignment with a 237 mm effective length (along with some unknown to me offset angle).

The Model-2, with it's 239.3 mm effective length yields a pivot to spindle distance of 222 mm to achieve a Baerwaald alignment.

The only potential problem you'll have is if my memory has faded and your pivot to spindle distance deviates by more than about 2 mm (e.g. less than 220 mm or greater then 224 mm).

Get out your metric ruler and measure it.

Let's assume a worst case scenario - the center point of the mounting hole coupled with its diameter will not quite permit achieving a 222 mm pivot to spindle distance for your Model-2.

You certainly won't be off by much, and if you encounter this problem, you're still not out of luck. You can buy back the mm or two that you're short by grinding / filing the hole a bit.

As an aside, the current Model-2's come with a mounting collar that uses a single bolt, like that of the DPS. It is mounted near one edge of the collar so that you can rotate the entire tonearm along this eccentric point to effect both fine and gross changes to pivot to spindle distance. Of course, as I mentioned above this movement is limited by the amount of clearance between the arm stub and the larger Rega mounting hole.

I suspect your height question is twofold - being able to achieve correct VTA as well as clearance from any dust cover.

From a VTA adjustment perspective, know that the Rega is one of, if not the most limted arms on the market. You will be able to achieve a correct VTA adjustment with a Model-2.

Unfortunately, I have neither measurements handy nor a Model-2 on hand, but my memory tells me that it is of average height from a dust cover clearance perspective. DPS turntables are fairly short and have no dust cover clearance issues with Model-2's and DPS's.

The photo on my Schroeder page (http://www.galibierdesign.com/prd_schroeder.html) shows the Model-2 standing quite tall (adjusted to maximum height), but view any dust cover clearance issues from the perspective of how much above the center line of the arm wand, the top of the bearing tower is. It's not that much.

Also note that this Model-2 photo shows an older mounting collar with three mounting bolts. Scroll to the DPS photos where you'll see the eccentric, single bolt mount which is also currently supplied with Model-2's.

Compatibility with a high-ish compliance cartridge will be a crap shoot. The Model-2 (both carbon fiber and pertinax) has an effective mass of 12 gms. If memory serves me, the Rega is in the 10.5 range. Sometimes, 1.5 grams can be inconsequential, while other times it can tip you over the threshold.

Cheers,
Thom @ Galibier

Hi Tom,
Thanks for the valuable info. I think, perhaps with a little tinkering, the Model 2 just might work.

The plate I bought for fitting a Rega (which is a tonearm that you rightly pointed out as having very little VTA available) lowers the arm slightly in relation to the plinth. This is done because the stock Technics tonearm is set in a recess below the level of the plinth. The platter is quite short and that is why the Rega compatible plate I bought is also recessed. The Model 2 looks like there is quite a bit of VTA to play with- correct?

Yes, you are right- my question regarding the VTA was two-fold. I also have to clear the dust cover. I have seen a couple of DPS turntables on the 'net and I think the lid clearance issue should be OK.

You don't happen to know the diameter of the Model 2's foot that screws to the arm board?

As for the Ortofon 2M Black, it's stats are as follows-

Tracking ability at 315Hz at recommended tracking force 80 µm
Compliance, dynamic, lateral 22 µm/mN
Stylus type Nude Shibata
Stylus tip radius r/R 6/50 µm
Tracking force range 1,4-1,7g (14-17 mN)
Tracking force, recommended 1,5 g (15 mN)
Tracking angle 20°
Internal impedance, DC resistance 1,2 kOhm
Internal inductance 630 mH
Recommended load resistance 47 kOhm
Recommended load capacitance 150-300 pF
Cartridge weight 7,2 g

Does this give more of a clue toward if it would be a suitable match for the Schroeder Model 2?

Cheers- Dean.