Rega P9 specs Re: spacers

OK, thanks for the clarification.

Ortofon doesn't list the height of the Kontrapunkt but it is most certainly more than that of the REGA Exact (which REGA says is 14mm). It's a lot higher. Based on the looks of it, I'd say it's probaby higher than most carts period.

If you are using it without spacers and not having problems, then it seems that trying to calculate spacer requirements beforehand based on the > 14mm measurment is not the way to go. Sounds more like a trial and error thing. I hate that. :(

Thanks for your help, it's back to the drawing board for me. I guess the best approach is pick the cart - have spacers on hand and use them if required.

Thanks Doug, I've read the articles you mentioned, but as you said the fine tuning methods can't really be applied to the REGA without the aftermarket VTA adjuster. I don't know if there is such an animal available for the RB1000 tonearm.

Seeing as I'm not that experienced at setup, I decided I would like to keep things simple, and sacrifice the fine tuning for now.

It's not turning out to be as straigtforward as I expected though because the numbers I have been given to work with are not making sense.

According to specs, I should need 5 mm spacing for the cart I am using; however, 2mm spacing is what gives the best result both visually and audibly. Obviously the answer is to use the 2mm spacer, and forget about it, but it bothers me that the numbers don't work out, and I keep wondering if I am missing something, or if something else on the table is out of spec. not to mention the difficulty in planning for future cart. purchases.

Thanks again, let me know if you have any info on the VTA adjuster for the RB1000

Doug:
I won't be drilling any holes in the table that's for sure. I think I will have to work out a formula of my own in regards to the shims.

Miner42:
Thanks for replying. Yes, Rega says to measure from top top of cart (where it sits against the headshell) to tip of stylus. Theirs are 14mm. Mine is 19mm. 5 mm spacing does not give the correct arm height, so it's back to the drawing board to try to figure out a formula that gets me close, or figure out why something that is supposed to be so simple isn't.

...

Do you know the effective mass of the Rega RB1000 arm. I can't find that information.

Thanks Plinko - I'll plug the (-) into the cartridge database and see if I get any matches. If that doesn't work I'll try "or something"

Pbb: Thanks for the input on the compliance, that helps a lot. How many spacers do you end of having to use with the Kontrapunkt B?

G_m_c: I am going to have to see about getting one of the Wally VTA tools you mentioned. I need something that will give me accurate measurments.

The problem I am having is that the numbers don't match what I am seeing. With a cart that is 19 mm high I figure I should need 5mm in shims. However, visually and audibly (sp) 2mm seems to do the trick. (tonearm looks level, and it sounds better) This has got me to wondering if something else is out of whack.

I'm just being paranoid I guess, but this was a major purchase for me, and it bothers me that the measurments are not making sense, not to mention the fact of trying to shortlist carts and decide how many spacers I need to have on hand.

I've been thinking about the Dynavector carts. The 20X L or H is probably more in my price range. Do you think it is worthy of the REGA? :)))

Thanks to both of you for your input. I take it you're both happy with the P9. I haven't had much of a chance to listen yet. Looking forward to it though.

Thanks Plinko: I understand what you are saying, and it is exactly what I plan to do.

Initially, I was trying to follow the instructions (from the REGA website) for calculating spacer requirements. They say. All REGA carts measure 14mm. The height specs for my cart are not published, but I got them from the distributor (which I double checked myself) and thought i could go from there.

Unfortunately it did not work out as planned, so Yes, I am going to have to play around to find the correct height instead of being able to calculate it beforehand.

I think I have found what works, but the mismatch got me to wondering if something else could be wrong, which is why I asked the original question. It seems no one else is gettng tied up in knots over the measurments, I guess I'm just funny that way.

Thanks for your reply, I'll try to relax a bit. :/