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How important is precise VTA adjustment?

I am at the stage where I am about to make the plunge into the Vinyl arena. I have a opportunity to purchase a Michell TT with a package deal on the Stock Rega 300 tonearm.

My findings indicate that Rega makes the VTA adjustment process a nightmare. You actually have to remove the arm from the armboard and insert washers to change the VTA.

To me this sounds like a rather inaccurate way to make adjustments on such a high precision product like a tonearm.

Furthermore, I am not really sure that it's necessary to have this adjustment in the first place. I am no turntable expert and was wondering if a VTA adjustment in the hands of someone like me who is inexperienced with tweaking would only cause problems.

Does anyone know what adustments do come with the Rega arms and what adjustments are important to have?

Also if anyone could recommend a MC cartridge that works well with this arm I would appreciate it.

Thanks
tazuser

Showing 1 response by ohlala

ohlala
1,231 posts
 
"Perhaps this is why I am being offered this deal in the first place."

Regas are a typical arm found on the Michell tables, but they are not as expensive as the SME, et. al.

Getting an arm with a nice VTA adjuster is definately a better bet, but it's going to cost you. If you have the scratch, hey, there you go. Problem solved:)

"Why would anyone want to buy a tonearm that does not offer such a performance critical adjustment in the first place?"

Personally, my budget was the deciding factor. I am currently playing with my VTA adjuster to get the stylus two degrees forward of vertical. Lucky for me, mine sounds fine with the collet flush to the armboard.
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