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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.
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Showing 1 response by restock

restock
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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.
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