2mm usually works
Spacers for Rega P3
Am I the only one who thinks that the tonearm in the Rega P3 is mounted a bit too low ?
It seems that it needs to climb a few mm on its way to the record.
The solution is very simple: a spacer... but wouldn't Rega use a spacer on the stock P3 if one was needed ?
Should I add a spacer ? What size ? 2mm or 4 mm ?
It seems that it needs to climb a few mm on its way to the record.
The solution is very simple: a spacer... but wouldn't Rega use a spacer on the stock P3 if one was needed ?
Should I add a spacer ? What size ? 2mm or 4 mm ?
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The photo of my cartridge again: http://picasaweb.google.com/100352153551466589742/UntitledAlbum#5500335753236383426 |
Rega recently introduced an adjustable spacer, but it's only for their 3 point mount tonearms. The current P3 has such an arm, but some older models use a single large nut to secure the arm and this spacer will not work with them. The adjustable spacer sells for $29 in the US. |
I found it ! I have the "Nottingham Analogue Tracer 1". The first one on this list: http://www.vinylengine.com/cartridge_database.php?m=Nottingham+Analogue&t=any&mod=&sort=1&Search=Search&sty=&ovlo=&ovhi=&can=&dclo=&dchi=&stid=&masslo=&masshi=¬=&prlo=&prhi= Now can anyone tell me the spacer I need ? |
Loosen your arm's lock nut and slide some playing cards beneath the arm base, one at a time, until you get the height you want. Then measure the thickness of the cards. (If you have a feeler gauge, use that instead of cards of course.) As for what height to choose, we can't tell you even after learning the model of your cartridge because there are too many variables (record thickness, mat thickness, cartridge suspension wear, etc.). What matters is how the music sounds at various arm heights, and no one can tell that but you. The VTAF mentioned by Sounds_real_audio would give you flexibility to adjust for different LP's, or different cartridges for that matter. OTOH, if you just want a set-and-forget height, choose a typical thickness LP and make the armtube level. That's close enough for those not inclined to tweak for optimum sonics. Doug P.S. Whatever height you end up at, don't forget to recheck your tracking force. Changing arm height on a Rega alters the VTF slightly. |
Thanks for the Thorough reply. Will do as you suggested. By the way, How tight should screws 1 & 2 in this picture be closed. http://picasaweb.google.com/100352153551466589742/UntitledAlbum#5500866265439975474 I recently installed the Isokinetic cardas rewire kit (excellent upgrade) and had to mess with them. I ended up closing them in a way that allows me to adjust counter weight but use a bit of force in order to do it. I mean...is there a torque figure for that ? |