2. analog
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Rega RB1000 and VTA Adjustment

I only listen to vinyl and my analog system consists of a Rega P9 table, Rega RB1000 arm, Shelter 501 cart and Klyne System 6 phono stage. Rega tonearms do not allow for the possibility of VTA adjustment so I assumed that I did not need it. I thought everything sounded great... but last week I purchased spacers to adjust the VTA of the Rega tonearm to the specs of my cartidge.

The change in the sound and musicality of my system is astounding. Imaging and detail have greatly improved. Speakers seem to disappear and there is no background noise. This hobby is the best (except for flyfishing and skeet shooting ofcourse)

I did not believe that VTA adjustment could make a difference on my table. Now the problem is that I want to see what the Shelter 90x cart will sound like on the P9.

Anyone else install spacers under their Rega arms and get the same effect?

-Rich
rich62
seandtaylor99
1,262 posts
 
I have a lowly Rega Planar 3 but I have also found that spacers can make a large difference in the sound for non-rega cartridges. Specifically the Linn K9 and Goldring 1042, which are somewhat taller than the Rega cartridges.

Being cheap I used machine washers, but I'm contemplating having my local plastics shop make up some acrylic spacers.
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rauliruegas
13,002 posts
 
Dear Rich: You have a very nice analog rig. Good to you that " discovery " the real Shelther sound.

The 90X is not only a great cartridge performer but a huge improvement over your 501 and I'm sure it will be a good match with your RB 1000 great tonearm, it is a distress that the designer don't build it with a VTA adjustements that is a critical issue in any cartridge performance.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
rich62 OP
30 posts
 
Thanks Raul. The more I think about it, the more I want to pull the trigger on the 90X. I cant imagine how much better it can possibly get, but I need to know.
g_m_c
443 posts
 
I have a 9/1000 with a Dyanavector X-2. I used Wally tools to dial everything in properly. Once the VTA got there. with spacers, I was very happy and did not see a large difference with the range of lp thicknesses. I think you would be in good shape to upgarde your catridge.

Of course, for whatever reason, I just bought a second hand rig consisiting of an Amazon 1 table and a Schroeder 1 arm. I mounted an ZYX cartrige on it and have been speechless ever since.

This is one insane and totaly engaging sport.
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rich62 OP
30 posts
 
G_m_c: Have you tried the XYZ cart on the Rega? What do you think of the Schroder as compared to the Rega Tonearm? I dont think I would ever get rid of my table and just plan to buy more carts but I am always interested in the differences between tables and tonearms since Rega seems to have a different philosophy then most other manufacturers.
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