Upscale Audio has information on what cartridges fit Rega tables with and without shims. When I had a P2 I bought Hana EL from them based on their recommendation and it was a great fit.
Cartridge recommendation for a Rega Planar 3 with a RB330 tonearm with Rega dust cover?
Budget is $200 to $500. Preamp phono inputs available in likely use descending order are a Conrad Johnson PV-5, an original Musical Surroundings Phonomena and an Audio Research SP16. Speakers are either Thiel CS 3.5 or KEF LS50 Meta. The room measures 12' W X 22' L X 8' H. The speakers will be on the short wall. Also, are there any negatives to adding shims to the RB330 to get the correct VTA? Thank you for your suggestions.
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The question is what turntable and cartridge did you previously own. What did you like about it and what are you wanting to improve. Are you a moving magnet/iron type of guy or moving coil? Finally, what do you value in musical reproduction? That helps others make a recommendation for you, and not what they want to personally buy in this price range. |
@neonknight with Rega tables you have no VTA adjustment other than by adding different thickness shims (you have to buy those) to the tonearm base. The statement you made about dismissing what people are recommending what they own and like is not a valid one in this case. It’s about what cartridges fit that Rega tables in the OP’s budget - get the list first. Then begin investigating what sonic signatures each of those cartridges have |
The only negative with using the shims on the Rega RP3 or it's variants is that the height added will cause the dustcover to rub or rest on the arm when shut due to raising the arm, you will have to add a dropped counter weight. Now the plus side is that you can go with almost any cartridge and that greatly out weighs any negative. Ebay has a seller selling the dropped counter weight for $25.00. Also when purchasing the shims, get the 2 piece shims so you don't have to remove the arm to apply. Enjoy the music |
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