@sokogear - there are a couple of things I consider very Important in an analogue setup using a Rega TT...
I guess this could be considered part of the Tone Arm, but the "method" attaching the TT to the phono stage - i.e. "the interconnect".
You can have either...-
1. a single cable run of quality wires from the cartridge to the phono stage
2. what appears to be a single cable run, but is in fact a different cable that is joined to the tonearm wire (e.g. as on my old RB240 arm)
3. RCA sockets + separate interconnect.
I’ve only experienced #1 and #2, but #1 is my preference to date and resulted in significant improvements in sound quality - together with selecting quality RCA plugs.
#3 can be a great option if you are auditioning Interconnects, but requires exceptional cables to come close to #1
Better still - I upgraded to an Audiomods Tonearm (perfect for Rega TT’s) and have never looked back - It came with a high quality one piece harness (i.e. #1) and great RCA plugs. It really highlights cartridge performance in some exceptional ways.
My next choice that I consider almost as important would be Phono Stage - I used budget phono’s (i.e. < $400) for many years - stepping up to a better performing phono stage did a couple of things...
1. improved sound quality greatly
2. it is compatible with a larger selection of both MC and MM carts
3. it is really quiet - no hum
Other more minor things that I have found that contributed to better analogue sound quality on a Rega TT include
- a metal sub-platter
- an acrylic platter
- a ceramic bearing
- a Michell Technoweight - a counter balance weight that lowers the center of gravity of the weight to the level of stylus
- a substantial (i.e. heavy) plinth - once you have experienced a plinth with mass you will not go back.
With the above items addressed, you will get the better performance out of any cartridge you choose.
But in general - I echo most of the other posts - in that everything across the entire system is important - especially cables
Regards - Steve
I guess this could be considered part of the Tone Arm, but the "method" attaching the TT to the phono stage - i.e. "the interconnect".
You can have either...-
1. a single cable run of quality wires from the cartridge to the phono stage
2. what appears to be a single cable run, but is in fact a different cable that is joined to the tonearm wire (e.g. as on my old RB240 arm)
3. RCA sockets + separate interconnect.
I’ve only experienced #1 and #2, but #1 is my preference to date and resulted in significant improvements in sound quality - together with selecting quality RCA plugs.
#3 can be a great option if you are auditioning Interconnects, but requires exceptional cables to come close to #1
Better still - I upgraded to an Audiomods Tonearm (perfect for Rega TT’s) and have never looked back - It came with a high quality one piece harness (i.e. #1) and great RCA plugs. It really highlights cartridge performance in some exceptional ways.
My next choice that I consider almost as important would be Phono Stage - I used budget phono’s (i.e. < $400) for many years - stepping up to a better performing phono stage did a couple of things...
1. improved sound quality greatly
2. it is compatible with a larger selection of both MC and MM carts
3. it is really quiet - no hum
Other more minor things that I have found that contributed to better analogue sound quality on a Rega TT include
- a metal sub-platter
- an acrylic platter
- a ceramic bearing
- a Michell Technoweight - a counter balance weight that lowers the center of gravity of the weight to the level of stylus
- a substantial (i.e. heavy) plinth - once you have experienced a plinth with mass you will not go back.
With the above items addressed, you will get the better performance out of any cartridge you choose.
But in general - I echo most of the other posts - in that everything across the entire system is important - especially cables
Regards - Steve