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REGA VTA Question

Well, I have another rookie question. I recently purchased a Benz-Micro Glider for my REGA P5. According to REGA you are not supposed to change the VTA with any cartridge on a REGA table. The Glider is much taller than the Exact 2 cartridge that I was using. My questions is, should I leave the VTA alone, or use the REGA shims to raise up the back end of the tone-arm? The shims come only in a 2mm size. The tech at my dealer recommended raising the tone-arm by 4mm! I want to get the best sound possible! What should I do?

Also, should they use the REGA protractor for alignment, or wally tractor type mounting method. The cartridge was set up using the REAGA paper mounting guide.

Thank you for your assistance!!
rick_hilton
pkubica
134 posts
 
Hi Rick,

I recently installed a Lyra Argo i on my Rega table. The best VTA for me was with the arm slightly lower than level at the rear. Like anything, approach it slowly and listen for yourself. In my case, Rega was wrong and also the dealer was wrong. Bottom line... somewhere closer to level will probably give the best results.

I setup my cartridge with a Soundtracker protractor (It looks much like the Clearaudio protractor)and everything sounds good. However, being a tinkerer I order a Mint tractor a few weeks ago but it's not here yet. I'll be interested to see if it does better. Yip is really easy to deal with and everyone sings his praises.

Good luck with it!
Paul
johnbender
29 posts
 
You could always install one of the many VTA adjusters and experiment. I use the Origin Live threaded adjuster. It's easy to install and use. Here's a link:

http://www.tonearm.co.uk/vta-adjuster.htm

I don't care for the Rega protractor. I've had far better luck with the free protractors from Vinyl Engine. Of course, for $100 the Mint tractor is supposed to be great.
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rick_hilton OP
46 posts
 
According to REGA, they manufacture shims for those people that buy REGA tonearms for aftermarket TT's. REGA says that you should absolutely not adjust VTA for any cartridge using there own TT and tonearm. The arm tube was exactly parallel to the platter when using REGA's own Exact 2 cartridge. So, I am having difficulty understanding why REGA recommends doing nothing when the arm tube is not close to being parallel to the platter.

What would be good starting point in terms of raising the VTA? Should I start at 2mm, or go strait to 4mm? Thanks for all the input!!! It is appreciated!

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