Confused about Rega and VTA....
Hello audiophiles-
I have a Rega Rp6 TT with Exact 2 cartridge. I’m interested in upgrading the cartridge to a MC and am deciding between the Hana EL and the Hana SL. The dealer I am working with (who will install the Hana cartridge) says Hana SL is only better if VTA can be adjusted.
So this is the source my confusion! It looks like Rega discourages adjusting VTA on its tables. Yet it also looks like people do it all the time (and use spacers etc). So my question is am I making a mistake getting the technically better cartridge (the SL) if it requires VTA adjustment? With the Rp6 would I be better off with the Hana EL for this reason?
Two other questions: does anyone have a recommendation about where to buy spacers?
Should I also get a Groovetracer counterweight while I am futzing around with the table? (It looks like the Hana cartridges are pretty similar in weight to the Exact, so not sure if this would be something with sonic advantages or not,)
I do have the Groovetracer subplatter now.
Thanks for any insights! Margot
I have a Rega Rp6 TT with Exact 2 cartridge. I’m interested in upgrading the cartridge to a MC and am deciding between the Hana EL and the Hana SL. The dealer I am working with (who will install the Hana cartridge) says Hana SL is only better if VTA can be adjusted.
So this is the source my confusion! It looks like Rega discourages adjusting VTA on its tables. Yet it also looks like people do it all the time (and use spacers etc). So my question is am I making a mistake getting the technically better cartridge (the SL) if it requires VTA adjustment? With the Rp6 would I be better off with the Hana EL for this reason?
Two other questions: does anyone have a recommendation about where to buy spacers?
Should I also get a Groovetracer counterweight while I am futzing around with the table? (It looks like the Hana cartridges are pretty similar in weight to the Exact, so not sure if this would be something with sonic advantages or not,)
I do have the Groovetracer subplatter now.
Thanks for any insights! Margot
14 responses Add your response
Hi all- Just an update and to say thanks for all the advice. I ended up using Acoustic Signature spacers with the Hana SL cartridge. (Well actually I had the turntable set up by a pro, who did an amazing job.) It sounds incredible. Huge leap forward from my Exact 2 MM cartridge. I'm very happy! cheers, Margot |
Spacers are only a partial remedy ...too coarse of an adjustment. I once had a Rega, and found a device that had an adjusting thread to raise/lower the arm. It was a real pain, because you could only access the adjustment from below. The result was a very fine and precise adjustment. I don't remember who made the device. Put the turntable on 3 or 4 tall drinking glasses to more easily adjust from below. |
I use Acoustic Signature spacers on my P9's: https://www.needledoctor.com/Acoustic-Signature-Spacer-Set-for-Rega-Small They also come in "Large" now - - not sure what the difference between the sizes may be. When I got mine in 2015 there was only one size (AFAIK). |
I had a RP-6 some years ago. I ordered a round black disc that had various levels of height on it. You loosened the three anchor screws for the tonearm, and put this spacer under it. You turned the spacer to get the proper level of height with it and then re-anchored the tonearm. This spacer was made by Rega. Cost was approx. $30. |
If you plan on using assorted weights of vinyl (which generally impacts vinyl thickness) optimal SRA is maintained via adjustment of VTA. If all of your LPs are essentially the same thickness, set it once and leave it. Yes I have VTA on the fly and make adjustments based on the weight/thickness of the vinyl and it is audible, at least on my system. Once you have determined the setting for each weight it is fast adjustment. |
The UK company Audiomods makes a fantastic arm that is a drop-in replacement for the Rega arms, and provides height adjustment (a micrometer is an option). The arm is a unique design, individually made by a master machinist, the arm tube actually being sourced from Rega. Details on the Audiomods website. |
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SRA (stylus rake angle) is more important than VTA! And this is set just once for a particular tonearm/cartridge. Fiddling with VTA for every LP is a waste of time and detracts from your listening enjoyment! Set the SRA properly just once and forget about VTA! The Hana low output mc cartridge will certainly sound better than the Rega mm and requires no on-the-fly adjustments! My advice comes from 40+ years of LP playback! |
IMO, the single biggest difference you can make to vinyl playback is to go to an arm that has VTA on-the-fly adjustment. Irrespective of cartridge, minute adjustments when you can hear the results reveal a whole new world of resolution. I had a Planar 2 with a DV MR23RS back in the day and was very happy with it until I auditioned a table with a VTA OTF arm and the same cart. Blew me away. Bought the demo table and arm right off the dealer's floor the next day and have never looked back. My 2 cents: Look at the arm first. Micro Seiki, Graham and a few others can be found second-hand, are easily mounted to the RP 6 and won't bust the budget. Any one of them will get more out of your Exact 2 than you've heard before. Is going that route a bigger spend than just a new cartridge and some shims? Yes. The return on investment is unmatched, however. After using VTA OTF for awhile, then you can make a truly high-ROI decision on which MC to go with. Good luck no matter which way you go and happy listening! |