Cartridge for RB300 other things


i just purchased a used planar 3 w/rb300 arm(no mods) and would like some opinions about a suitable mm
cartridge (300-500 $'s). i currrently have an ortophon om30 and it's ok (a bit bright). also i'd like to replace the felt mat with either a ring-mat or audioquest sorbogel mat-what are the merits if any with either one of these and how can i adjust the vta for the mat & or cartridge. also if some one could pass along any other tweaks
that would improve this tt-thanks
vellum
Vellum,
I have the Planar 3/RB300 setup with a Grado Platinum Reference cartridge. One thing you should be aware of is the (slightly) audible hum the Planar motor will generate in this cartridge. It might not suit your expectations. It is something I am becoming less tolerant of as time goes by. I was sold this combo on the advice that the performance otherwise was a worthwhile the trade off. I have no experience with anything else in this price/performance range, so I can't compare to other recommendations.
natureboy
I have a Rega P-25 with the RB-600 arm and a Grado Platinum.I find the Grado to put the arm at the best VTA with no spacer.It gives it a slightly negative angle.I used 1 spacer for several weeks then removed it and the midrange smoothed out,the bass deepened and it just sounded better.The grado hum is no issue with me.I have never heard it during music or even between tracks.Only when I raise the arm near or at the end of the LP.
thanks to everyone for thier fast and informative feedback. about the grado, what does a replacement stylus go for? also would still like to get some imput on the mats and any other tweaks. thanks a million
You cant put a new stylus in a Grado.When you need a new one you trade the cartridge in for a new one plus it costs 2/3 of what the cartridge lists for.I never had any luck with Ring Mats.I had one but returned it as I heard no improvement.Quite a few tweeks for the Grado arms but I need to sleep and will post them another time unless someone beats me to it.zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz