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Rega Exact 2 cartridge alignment qestion

I just picked up my new Rega P5 and Exact 2 cartridge yesterday from my local dealer. It was my understanding that this particular cartridge utilizes, and was developed for a three point mounting system when used with a Rega tonearm. I was told that you can use a two or three mount alignment with this cartridge (according to my dealer). I am new to analog and would like to know if any members have experience with the Rega Exact cartridge and mounting on the RB700 tone-arm? My dealer set this cartridge up with the two screw non-Rega style setup. I just want to get the best sound I can given the best set up procedure Thanks for you help!
rick_hilton
has2be's avatar
has2be
555 posts
 
I would keep your eyes open for a used graham slee reflex era gold for a phono pre. With the rega table and the exact cartridge you will have to pay alot of money to match how good that combo sounds. By the way Rick , don,t frett about the back screws not being inverted . The important thing is the three points are installed not two. The back screws as you have them installed will not change performance at all. The advantage of having the two at the back nuts up is so the protective cap can be used to cover needle when not in use and the accidental long sleeve getting snagged or some use a swiffer to dust. Get yourself some nice clean lps on that rig and just enjoy it.Oh I should say I use the last stylist cleaner(4) after playing five or six lps and when I shut it down. After each side I use a dry brush and then last stylist treatment(5). My first exact Cartridge still being used on my sons table with no problems for almost 3 years and just over a year for the exact II that I am using now. Enjoy!
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rick_hilton OP
46 posts
 
Thanks for all of the responses! I am now playing album after alum enjoying the music while the table and cartridge break-in!!! Thanks again!!
fillmoor
58 posts
 
Just to add something to the responses, you can do plenty of searching the audio forums on the issue, and couple that up with your own personal experiments. My feeling is the Rega arms and cartridges sound best the Rega way (3 bolts and the resulting overhang that gives you, reportably close to Stevenson theory). For my Exact cartridge I tried Baerwald (Geodisc) with 2 bolts, and the Rega alignment with 3 bolts and preferred the Rega alignment with 3 bolts. Maybe with other cartridges and arms the other theories are better. Also of importance is the specified bolt torque for fixing the cartridge to the arm, which Rega also employs for its speakers. It is easy to get caught up in the important aspect of geometry for Lp playback and discount what I consider to be still more important- things like the mechanical interface between the cartridge and the arm.
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