Matching the cartridge to the phono stage

@ajones82 

I was like you a couple of years ago.  Wanted to get into vinyl again but had no idea.  Back in the day I just put a record on and dropped the needle!  Never knew there was so much to learn.  Still don't know much about the specs, numbers, etc. but learning.  I picked up a mint used Rega Planar 6 and purchased a new Rega Exact cart.  Setup was super easy.  No spacers needed with the Rega cart.  It sounds great with any phono stage I've used.  Currently a Musical Surroundings Phonomena 2+ with gain set at 40dB and input loading at 47k.  Considering trying an Ania mc cart in the future but no rush. 

It's great that you are doing the research - kudos.  But, you might want to start simple with a Rega cart for the Rega TT.  Pretty much plug and play.         

@ajones82 those last numbers are the signal to noise ratio relative to a reference input level (the “typical” MM and MC cartridge output levels), as calculated by the IHF A weighting standard. The A weighting heavily de-emphasizes bass (power supply ripple) and treble frequencies. Given that, the numbers look OK but perhaps not stellar. It has nothing to do with the phono stage altering signal or adjusting to cartridge level.

@ajones82 One of the issues with the Rega arms is an adjustment called VTA is tricky or impossible to set, at least the ones I've seen. But if you use a Rega cartridge its spot on. IMO if you have a Rega arm a Rega cartridge is your best bet. If you want to do better you likely will want to move to a different machine.

@atmasphere Hi, yeah I heard about that, spacers needed if adjusting VTA, right ? 

I was also considering Clearaudio Concept but when I heard them side by side with the same Hana SL cartridge I liked Rega much better. It sounded more dynamic, better bass, quicker. But Clearaudio tonearms have adjustable VTA, hence decided on the Rega. 

Any other table suggestions with adjustable VTA and really good ones ? 

@ajones82 The Technics SL1200G has a pretty decent arm and the 'table is one of the better ones made at any price. Its weak spot it its platter pad, easily replaced.