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Rega P5 Benz Micro Glider, Ace, or Stay w/Exact?

I recently purchased a REGA P5 with the EXACT II MM cartridge. When I took my new TT home, I discovered that the volume output was far too low given the output of this cartridge. I just took my TT and cartridge to my local dealer and found that I had a defective cartridge. I have the opportunity of getting a new REGA Exact II cartridge, or changing to a BENZ MICRO Glider, or ACE cartrige for an additional cost of course. I am not sure what to do! I did like the sound of the Exact cartridge, but I am told the performance of the Glider and ACE cartridges will out perform the REGA cartridge! Does anyone have experience with these cartridges? Is my P5 worthy enough for these better cartridges? I listen to a lot of Jazz and some classical. My system components are listed below. Thank you for any recommendations!

Speakers: Wilson Sophia Series 1
Pre-Amp: Ayre Acoustics K-1XE
Amp: Mark Levinson 331
TT: REGA P5
NAD Phono Stage..Next to be upgraded
Cartridge: TBD???
rick_hilton
miner42
709 posts
 
I thought you may have a faulty cartridge. First of all, your P5 is more than worthy - a very fine table especially with the optional TTPSU. I had one before upgrading to the P7. I used the Exact on my P5 and was very happy with it. Since Regas are internally grounded you have to be very careful of cartidge choice. On my P7 I use a Dynavector DV20X-H (my Exact is now a backup cartridge). With most cartridges (besides Regas) you may need to add shims to raise the are to take into account the height difference since Regas do not havea on-the-flt adjustment.
johnbender
29 posts
 
Your P5 is quite worthy, as Miner42 points out. I use an Ace on my P25. It's a very nice combination. It requires a 2mm spacer under the arm. I can't comment on how it compares to the Exact or Glider.
adam18
670 posts
 
My Rega P3-24 table with the Rega Exact 2 cartridge sings incredibly beautiful music, and I am thrilled with the way this combination sounds. It works great with my system (click on to take a look), and I'm a firm believer in the synergy created with Rega cartridge--Rega arm--Rega table systems approach. Good Luck, and Happy Listening !!
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