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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
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.
bobgates OP
535 posts
 
Ekobesky - just wanted to let you know that I did bump the tracking force up to 1.6 grams and then 1.7grams; it does sound even better now. Now I'm wondering where I can find a blank album so I can accurately set the antiskate?
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isanchez
276 posts
 

Hello Bob,

Congratulations on your new Oftofon 2M Bronze cartridge.

I very highly recommend the Mint tractor if you'll be keeping your current turntable for a while. Each Mint tractor is drawn and cut for your turntable/tonearm combination taking into account the diameter of the spindle. It is the most accurate protractor available today. IMO, it is one of the best investments one can do for correct cartridge overhang setup.

Since your cartridge is brand new, you may want re-evaluate the VTF until after the cartridge has been fully broken in. New cartridges take some time for the suspension to settle in.

Best,

iSanchez

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