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Rega Exact on a Rega P5 - opinions?

I'd like to hear from anyone who has had experience with the Rega Exact cartridge and how it compares to other similar MM cartridges like the Goldring 1042. The Exact was $350 - so that's the price range I'm working in.

Since the RB-700 on the P5 uses the newer arm mounting system, I'd prefer not to use anything that requires VTA adjustment unless it's a cartridge that's going to yield me much greater results than the Exact does at a similar price point.

Thanks in advance for any input - there's an astonishingly sparse amount of information here, or anywhere else for that matter, on the Exact cartridge. I did find one review from 2003 on the Stereo Times site, but that's it.

FYI - the P5 is feeding mostly classic rock lp's into a Musical Fidelity A300 integrated via the A300's built in phono section and on to Von Schweikert VR-1 monitors.
slate1
slate1 OP
82 posts
 
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?
restock
831 posts
 
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.
hififile
236 posts
 
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.
flg2001's avatar
flg2001
543 posts
 
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
drumsuck
10 posts
 
I use a Clearaudio Aurum Alpha Wood on the P3 and it does require VTA adjustment, however the cartridge is nothing short of magical. (for the money, of course)
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