Rega Exact on a Rega P5 - opinions?

Thanks again for all the responses.

Seandtaylor99: Actually I've found the VR-1's to be a good match to the Musical Fidelity. The A300's top end is anything but bright and is actually been noted to be a bit too subtle for some listeners. I found this to be the case with other speakers I tried that had a more "laid back" treble response.

The RB700 tonearm on the P5 has a totally different arm-mounting system than prior Rega tonearms - it's got a triangle shaped flange at the base of the arm that screws to the plinth at 3 points. Rega's attempt at keeping all the aftermarket modifications in check I suppose.

Creativepart: Thanks so much for your response, it's been most helpful. I've read some great things about the Denon DL103R cartridge. I've never used a MC cartridge before and am sure I'd need to also purchase a transformer to boost the signal. Any suggestions on that? Here are the specs from the phonostage on the A300 integrated:

Input sensitivity (MM input) 3.5mV
Input sensitivity (MC inputs) 350uV
S/N Ratio (MM) > 78dB ‘A’ weighted (Ref 1W)
82dB ‘A’ weighted (Ref 150W)
S/N Ratio (MC) > 70dB ‘A’ weighted (Ref 1W)
73dB ‘A’ weighted (Ref 150W)

Thanks again everyone - I'm getting some great information here!

Sunsetsuperman: Ooops, forgot to respond to your suggestions! Sorry about that. I really like the Grado's sound but had a horrible time with hum on my old P3 when I had it set up with the Grado Reference - not something I want to revisit. Do you know if the Clearaudio carts would require VTA adjustment on the Rega?

I would get different size Rega spacers and get one of the recommended cartridges. Previously I had a Rega Elys on a P3 (sorry can't compare to the exact) and replaced it with the basic Denon DL103, better bass, more detail, more live. The DL103R is another step up from the basic version.

Another option to consider is the Kontrapunkt A which can be found on Agon for around $400 and from Needle Doctor for a similar price. Look at some of my recent responses in Viggen's system and my system for a very basic comparison.

Both the Ortofon and the Denon require spacers for vta. And both require a good MC phono stage. For MM you could try the really cheap DL160 high output MC. You might get surprised how good a $150 cartridge can be.

Dear Slate1,
I have the "exact" same set up you are inquiring about. I currently own the Rega P-5, with the Rega Exact cartridge played through an 'all' Quad system with 909 amp. The records sound superb!

I previously owned the pro-ject perspective with blue point cartridge, and prior to that the Music Hall mmf-7 with goldring Eroica.

I can tell you first hand, and so can my listening buddies, the combo of P-5 and Exact are superb. Rega built their fantastic new 700 arm to maximize sound quality from the Exact cartridge. In my discussions with Rega the arm length, materials and design were created for perfect synergy with that cartridge.

I have actually heard instruments on certain records I did not know were on the recording with this new set up. Worth every penny! And....a joy to use.

I can share my experience with a similar setup, but not exactly the same you are referencing, hope it helps:

I owned a P3 table fitted with an ELys cart, the sound was just OK, and always thought it was the table sonic signature (I came from a downsizing of my system having had a Gyrodeck/rb300/VdH MC10).

The Elys broke, and I bought a Denon 103 as a replacement thanks to other inmates here and the sound improved a lot, the Elys was the weakest link in the chain.

My conclusion was that Rega has great tables and just average cartridges.

Fernando