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Looking for a new cartridge (and maybe phono stage) for my Rega RB808

Hello Agoners! I have a conundrum that I’m hoping you can help me resolve. I’ve owned a Rega P3 for a number of years now, which has seen several modifications...each of which has improved the listening experience to various degrees. I’m now at a place where I’d like to step up to a more exotic cartridge and have narrowed down my choices to a small handful. This is where I need some advice!

:)

The P3 has turned into something else over the years. Its got a Groovetracer Reference subplatter, the Rega 24v motor, and...most recently a RB808 tonearm. Prior to the new tonearm I was using an Incognito-wired RB300 with a Benz Micro MC Silver.

My phono stage (currently) is a modified Acurus P10. A while back I had it upgraded with an external PSU, chunkier rectifier diodes, and several capacitors replaced with more exotic versions (Black Gate, Elna SILMIC). These little modifications made a noticeable improvement and I’ve been happy with this phono stage. I’m not wedded to it though, and replacing it may open up my choices of cartridge. It’s gain setting tops out at 57db. So any suggestions for a good MC preamp are welcome.

These are the carts I’m considering:

*Benz Glider (with MicroRidge stylus)
Hana SL
Shelter 501

*I’ve wanted one of these for a long time, but it’s been discontinued and maybe a newer design is better”?

Where I start to gloss over is when I start reading about compliance and effective tonearm mass, etc. I think my RB808 has a mass of 10g. That being said...are any of these cartridges off the menu? I will greatly value the community’s input!
128x128boy412
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Rega RB808 tonearm effective mass is 10g according to this article.
Add the mass of the cartridge and screws when you will calculate tonearm/cartridge resonance, read here how to do that.

If your combo will be within 7-12Hz then you can use it. If you’re out of that range you need another cartridge (difference compliance).

If your cartridge dynamic compliance in the manual stated at 100Hz then you have to multiply it on 1.7 before you will make any calculations. Cartridge compliance at 10Hz is the key. After you will convert cartridge compliance from 100Hz to 10Hz (*using x1.7 formula) you can go back to the ortofon diagram for correct calculation of the resonance frequency.

The rest is a matter of personal taste, there are so many different MC cartridges available, but some decent MM are simply better, especially on your TT and your tonearm.




solypsa's avatar
solypsa
462 posts
 
Phono gain is one factor but it plays in with preamp gain and amp input sensitivity (or gain if you will). Without the full info it will be a matter of experimentation...
Btw do you have shims or vta adjuster to allow vta changes?

You could try the ~.5mv  Sensitive Sound ART Dark that I import if you like. Its right at home on this arm mass.
boy412's avatar
boy412 OP
4 posts
 
@solypsa Thanks for the post!  My RB300 had a way to adjust VTA (Incognito EzRider) but this new arm does not. I don't have shims for it either, but I've been thinking I should have some for this eventuality.

I'm not familiar with Sensitive Sound cartridges. I'll look into them!

;)

chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
*Benz Glider (with MicroRidge stylus)
Hana SL
Shelter 501

*I’ve wanted one of these for a long time, but it’s been discontinued and maybe a newer design is better”?

New design is not always better and if you don't mind to buy a discontinued models your choice of cartridge can be much wider. 

If you like MicroRidge stylus (which is great) you can look for the MicroLine stylus too. Audio-Technica made some exceptional MM cartridges with this stylus tip, they are belongs to discontinued AT-ML series with tapered Beryllium and Boron pipe cantilevers. Models like AT-ML150 (Beryllium) and AT-ML170 (Boron) are amazing. 

Speaking about new cartridges vs. old cartridges we can remember Beryllium cantilevers, this material is no longer available, so it's impossible to find a new design with Beryllium cantilever anymore. New is not always better.

Mid compliance Audio-Technica MM is perfect for your tonearm. Highly recommended. 

solypsa's avatar
solypsa
462 posts
 
@boy412 you will definitely want a few shims. The rega carts are quite short compared to most MC.
The Sensitive Sound carts are pretty new to N America (I'm based in Seattle). Since I'm biased I'll refrain from comment but trying firsthand is always best!
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