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SME V tonearm versus Rega tonearms on Michell Orbe

Does anyone have experience comparing the SME V tonearm on a Michell Orbe turntable with a Rega arm, either a stock Rega RB 900, RB 600, RB 300 or RB 250, or a modified Rega arm (e.g. Origin Live RB250)? I am interested in using either a Benz Micro Ruby 2 or Koetsu Urushi as the cartridge. If you can give advice regarding sound or set up capabilities, that would be most appreciated.

Scott
casaross
rch102a97
162 posts
 
The Rega is no match for an SME. Rega tonearms are entry level. SME is the real thing. Just my.02.
jafox
1,467 posts
 
Hmmm, you are contemplating putting a multi-thousand $ cartridge on an arm that costs a few hundred $? Doing just the opposite makes far more sense. If you are looking to stay with UK arms, the Naim ARO may very well be your best choice....otherwise the Graham 2.2 or Triplanar are the way to go. I found the SME to be too much in the bass and lower mids when I was comparing arms a few years back...and this was on a VPI TNT.
plato
1,543 posts
 
I use an OL RB250 on a Gyro II SE with a Benz Ruby 2 cartridge and the sound is the best I have heard (compared to any other TT system I have used). There is an unmistakable synergy going on with this combo that is captivating. It easily outperforms my former VPI Aries with JMW 10 arm, flywheel, PLC, and ClearAudio Gamma cartridge. I would expect properly set up Regas to work great on the Orbe as well, but I can't say that it would beat an SME V. It is doubtful, but I haven't made the comparison and you never really know how well a certain combination will perform until you try it and hear it in your own familiar system. My Michell/Rega/Benz sounds scary-good -- of that I am confident. Good Luck! :)
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