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Rega P9 specs Re: spacers

Hi: could anyone tell me if the Rega specs on spacers are a good starting point to tell how many spacers I will need with a certain cart.

For instance Rega says their carts are 14 mm. Therefore if I have a cart that is 16 mm I would need one 2mm spacer. If I have a cart that is 19 mm I would need a total of 5 mm in spacers.

Is this is correct? If so, does anyone know if the height measurment is to be taken with the cart,mounted on the arm, and sitting on a record (i.e suspension engaged) or if the measurment should be taken without the action of the suspenion. I guess the question here is: does anyone know how rega get the 14 mm measurment, so that I can measure potential new carts the samy way, and gauge the spacer requirements.

Also, how do I short list potential carts for the RB1000 tonearm with regards to calculating resonance frequency. I cannot find specs for effective mass on this tonearm.

I'd appreciate it if any P9 owners out there could give me some tips on using this table with anything other than a Rega cart.
wfsf75d
pbb
1,140 posts
 
I use mine with a Kontrapunkt B and it is, to my eye, about as tall a cartridge as can be mounted on this arm. I think that the arm can handle just about any mc cart and that only highly compliant cartridges pose a problem. You may be able to get the dimensions of the cart from the manufacturer's specs.
g_m_c
443 posts
 
You sound pretty clean on the shims. You will certainly be close. I used the Wally VTA tool to determine my shim needs (now I can't find it). Be sure to include the Dynavector xx-2 in your cartridge list. Great synergy betwenn Dynavector and Rega.
Best of luck.
wfsf75d OP
9 posts
 
Pbb: Thanks for the input on the compliance, that helps a lot. How many spacers do you end of having to use with the Kontrapunkt B?

G_m_c: I am going to have to see about getting one of the Wally VTA tools you mentioned. I need something that will give me accurate measurments.

The problem I am having is that the numbers don't match what I am seeing. With a cart that is 19 mm high I figure I should need 5mm in shims. However, visually and audibly (sp) 2mm seems to do the trick. (tonearm looks level, and it sounds better) This has got me to wondering if something else is out of whack.

I'm just being paranoid I guess, but this was a major purchase for me, and it bothers me that the measurments are not making sense, not to mention the fact of trying to shortlist carts and decide how many spacers I need to have on hand.

I've been thinking about the Dynavector carts. The 20X L or H is probably more in my price range. Do you think it is worthy of the REGA? :)))

Thanks to both of you for your input. I take it you're both happy with the P9. I haven't had much of a chance to listen yet. Looking forward to it though.
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