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What cartridge to use....Rega RB25 Structural Mod

I have a Rega RB250 with the JA Michell structural mod and Incognito rewire mounted on an Acoustic Signature Final Tool. I am currently using a Koetsu Red with very good results. I am looking for something better. Aren't we all?? As you may or may not know, the Michell mod allows use of just about any cartridge made. There are 2 different counterweights. One for cartridges with a weight of 3 to 6 grams and another for cartridges with weights from 6-13 grams. The RB250 has an effective mass of 11 grams. So, with this in mind, what do you think. I am trying to stay within the $1,000.00 range, new or used. I have some cartridges in mind. The Dynavector DRT XV-1, XX-1, XX-2, ZYX Fuji R100 FS, Benz Micro LO.4, Lyra Helikon and the Ortofon Jubilee are some of the choices thus far. I have not listened to any of the above cartridges. I am going on reviews from this site and some of the professional reviews I have read. Please let me know if you've had any experience with similar setups or if you have any recommendations/suggestions regarding other cartridges I haven't mentioned. Also, I need to purchase a cartridge alignment tool. Any suggestions on tools under $50.00 would be great!!

Thank You
Jeff
128x128jfrizzell49
stefanl
296 posts
 
"....I auditioned a Rega RB-300 vs SME V on a special Michell Gyrodec table that could accomadate two arms. Both had Koetsu Blacks mounted. We heard very little if any difference between the two arms/cartridges. The owner of this system then decided to sell the SME V and keep the Rega. Rest of system was ARC SP-9, Quad amp and Magnapan MG-III speakers." This is a post from Vinyl Asylum that seems to contradict the proposition that Rega's perform poorly with Koetsu cartridge's.Also did you actually try adjusting the Base-Nut of the Rega Arms you listened to,to the required tension?I know what an audible difference it does make,so as to eluding to what I hear as just being sorely mistaken,leads me to think that you did not explore the adjustments at this level.I think you have misconstrued what I intimated about the importance of the Rega bearings.This is my last post on this.We agree to disagree.
twl
3,251 posts
 
I seem to have become a bit sensitive to Pauly's condescending attitude towards the other members here, when clearly we are not the only ones with something to learn.

As such, I'll bow out of the conversation also, in deference to the "undisputed master" of tonearm design and cartridge matching.
jfrizzell49's avatar
jfrizzell49 OP
6 posts
 
Well. I seemed to have started WW3 with this topic. Thanks for the fight!! I went out and bought the bullet weights to try TWL's mod. It works just as he said it would. Truly amazing!! I don't think the Rega bearings are so bad. Never did. Then again, like previously stated, I would have to compare it to other arms. The reason I have not is 1) budget and 2) because with the Acoustic Signature Final Tool, the arm mount needs to be changed(around $100.00-$150.00 per arm mount if it's not a Rega style mount) which again is budget related. The Koetsu mates well with the Rega in my system so it stays. I was thinking of trying a ZYX Fuji. Any thoughts?? TWL, what is your counterweight mod all about?
pauly
1,012 posts
 
Hi Jeff

Just remember to tighten your arm by a single "NIP" - no less no more ok? ;-)

Regards
Paul

Ps. If you are interested in the zyx, have a look at http://www.high-endaudio.com/RC-Cartridges.html. Arthur S makes some interesting comments which you may find of interest
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