Cartridge Advice for New Turntable

Jason36

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Jul 23, 2008
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Hi guys,

Well I have decided, and am currently watching, a few Rega Planar 3 Turntables on an auction site. I believe the Rega is an excellent deck for the introduction back to Vinyl and also provides a number of excellent upgrade options for the future.

The TT I am hoping to win comes with an RB300 tonearm and Rega Elys2 Catridge (although I am not sure on the age or condition of the Cartridge).

I think the first job will be to replace the cartridge but not sure whether to stay with the Rega Elys 2 or whether there are any better options for the same or slightly more money? Options at the moment include:

Rega Elys 2 or Goldring 2100

Are there any others I should consider or just stick with the Elys2
 

fatboyslimfast

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Jan 10, 2008
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There certainly are. At the price break I would recommend the following:

AT120E - £70
Ortofon 2M Red - £70
Ortofon 2M Blue - £145
AT440MLa - £145

The AT-120E is a neutral-sounding cartridge, with the 2M Red a little more up-front.
The 2M Blue is a more detailed version of the Red (same body, different stylus) whereas the AT440MLa is noted for being a very fast and detailed cart.

I've never been a huge fan of Rega carts, finding them ok-ish but certainly not at the top of the tree for their respective costs. Also, the lack of a replaceable stylus tends to cost more at replacement time - damage the stylus and the whole thing is a gonner.

I think that for the Rega 3/RB300 I would probably look at either the AT-120E, 2M Red or the Goldring 2100, but obv that's just IMHO.
 
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Anonymous

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It's really difficult to get a feel for cart's because only pretty specialised dealers seem t have carts to dem.

I got a Denon DL 110 as a birthday present a while back for an RB300 - think it's about £120 online. I found it a really fun cart to listen to because it's so big and bold.

Just one more to add to the list...
 
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Anonymous

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Why change the cartridge? that was a good set up when new . See my post on replacing a stylus on a P77 and my findings on getting it cleaned. I'll point you in the right directionif you want it assessed for damage and perhaps cleaned. "mikeff" had his stlyi assessed and cleaned to almost new for a fraction of the £120-50 you might have to cough for something better.

http://community.whathifi.com/forums/t/484757.aspx

Revolver with A&R P77, Linn Pretek, 2 x Powerteks, Meridian 200 Transport, Meridian 203DAC, Linn Kan II's
 
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Anonymous

Guest
As Linn indicated, I sent two A&R styli for cleaning & these have both come back in `as new condition.` The detail & dynamic range has returned. As it is probably impossible to scource a new stylus I think Linns service is a bit of a bargain.
 
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Anonymous

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Thanks for the feedback Mike. If any forum member is interested in a stylus assessment via high res microscope and subsequent clean please let me know and I'll put you in touch with the bloke who does it,

Regards

Linn

Revolver with A&R P77, Linn Pretek, 2 x Powerteks, Meridian 200 Transport, Meridian 203DAC, Linn Kan II's
 

Jason36

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Jul 23, 2008
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Thanks for the feedback guys.......especially Linn

I have found out the Elys2 is fairly new so will be sticking with that for the time being........but I will bear that in mind Linn and it may be worth getting the stylus looked at in due course....so you never know you may here from me in the near future
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