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Overhang for Ortofon 2M Bronze on Rega RB301

I just purchased an Ortofon 2M Bronze cartridge and am a bit puzzled about the overhang setting. The people I purchased the cartridge from said they set the cartridge so the front of the cartridge is flush with the front of the headshell. When I checked this with the Rega cartridge alignment protractor it shows the cartridge should be roughly 2 millimeters further back in the headshell. I listened both ways and thought the setting where the front of the cartridge was flush with the front of the headshell sounded the best. The other thing I was wondering about was the tracking force; Ortofon advised from 1.4 to 1.7 grams. I initially tried it at 1.5 grams and then 1.7 grams (as recommended by the people I bought the cartridge from). Surprisingly I like it at 1.4 grams. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
bobgates
johnbrown
195 posts
 

There may be no such thing as 'one correct alignment', but determining the overhang by the relationship of the cartridge body to the front of the headshell is absolutely the 'wrong' way to mount a cartridge. I'd suggest you read a cart mounting tutorial (they're all over the web, but this one-http://www.audiophilia.com/features/cartridge_setup.htm-is a good starting point). Also, go to VinylEngine-there's a wealth of free, download-and-print protractors at that site (you'll need to register, but you'll then be privy to a wealth of knowledge and manuals). In particular, check the 'Library' for Rega arms-I believe there is available a Baerwald arc protractor to print out.

I'd further suggest you do this AFAP-your records will appreciate it.
mingles
800 posts
 
Bob, bite the bullet and get a Mint Tractor. Not only will you hear a difference, but you'll be able to put the issue to rest and know it's done correctly.
bobgates OP
535 posts
 
I readjusted the overhang and now have the headshell lined up perfectly with the Rega alignment protractor; the front of the cartridge now sits around 2 millimeters back from the front of the headshell. Also set the tracking force to 1.5 grams. Listened late last night for quite awhile and have to say it now sounds by far the best I have heard it. I know there are certainly better cartridges if you have the money but I sure love the sound of this Ortofon 2M Bronze; hard to believe it is a MM.
johnbrown
195 posts
 
Bob-

Good to hear. I'd guess that along with the proper overhang, you checked that the 'zenith' (twisting the cart around the stylus axis to align the stylus to the groove) was correct, no?

Are you using the Rega 'single point' protractor? If so, I'd wager you'll hear even better results with a two-null-point protractor-as I mentioned, there's a two-point arc protractor available for free on VE, or 'Mingles' mentions the even-better 'Mint' (though it's not free, seems to be worth the money from all I've read). BTW, the arc models allow you to accurately align without trying to determine a straight line from the spindle to the center of your tonearm pivot. Easier and (can be) more accurate.
bobgates OP
535 posts
 
Thank you Johnbrown; I will definately check that out.
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