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SME V tonearm versus Rega tonearms on Michell Orbe

Does anyone have experience comparing the SME V tonearm on a Michell Orbe turntable with a Rega arm, either a stock Rega RB 900, RB 600, RB 300 or RB 250, or a modified Rega arm (e.g. Origin Live RB250)? I am interested in using either a Benz Micro Ruby 2 or Koetsu Urushi as the cartridge. If you can give advice regarding sound or set up capabilities, that would be most appreciated.

Scott
casaross

Showing 2 responses by extremephono

extremephono
123 posts
 
The VTA and VTF with high-end cartridge needs precise setup to extract the best. The exactness makes the jump from good sound to magical transformation. OL or not, whether the RB250 is a good arm is meaningless when the cartridge cannot be set-up accurately.

It works fine if the cartridge body happens to match the physical geometry Rega had in mind. Similar problem with Aro, while it has VTA, it cannot adjust overhang.

I had 3 RB250 and all the mods, trying very hard, they are not in the league, just another Best Buy/Best Tweak. Not a world class arm.

www.extremephono.com
extremephono
123 posts
 
I forgot to add that the anti-skating on the RB250 could never be adjusted to spot-on accuracy. Forget about putting any worthy cartridge on this arm, as it will be ruined after couple hundred hours, the cantilever would have slanted to one side, for lack of compensation.

This can be fixed, I use a cotter pin to screw to the left cartridge mounting screw. Adjusting the span of the cotter pin and careful setup with HFNRR at least bring the anti-skate to within a workable range.

So, after you purchase the RB250, added the mod, don't forget, you'll need a cotter pin!

www.norega.com (OK, this is a joke, not my URL..)
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