Planar 2, one question.....two questions!

[gisgillen]

After careful consideration I`m going for the Rega Planar 2. I would like to change the cartridge to an Audio Technica VM95SH.
Question 1) Will this work with the Rega?
Question 2) What is the difference between the AT VM95SH and the AT VM95SH/H?
In Finland the SH is €199 and the SH/H €229. I have tried to read up on it but have become stuck!
Please in simple English!
Amp is the Cambridge Audio Azur 651A with the 651C CD player. Speakers B&W606S2 Anniversary Editon. And I love it.
I have around 500 LP`s, the first ones from the early 70`s. All like new. Till now played on a Transcriptors Hydraulic Reference with Ortofon VMS 20E MkII with the fluid arm.
Many thanks

 

[nopiano]

The /H model comes with a headshell, but it won’t fit on your Rega, only on a standard arm like a Technics SL-1200 for example.

The cartridge is a fine product, at the top of a very well reviewed range. I’ve not heard one, but your Rega has enough adjustment to accommodate it. I’d expect it to be much brighter than your mellow VMS20e, which I did once own.

 

[gisgillen]

Thanks so much, a really quick reply. So the version without the headshell would fit?

 

[nopiano]

Thanks so much, a really quick reply. So the version without the headshell would fit?

Yes, it will fit your Rega arm. You realise it isn’t plug and play, it needs four leads carefully attaching, and two screws (provided) to attach it? Then alignment, etc.

 

[gisgillen]

Thanks again! Looks like I`m gonna have to buy new, so the local hi fi studio will do that. Just happy to hear it will work. Your answers very much appreciated.

 

[daytona600]

Why buy a new turntable then change the cartridge
Buy a turntable with a better cartridge fitted as standard
SH has a shibata line contact stylus tonearm needs azimuth & VTA adjustment for best results standard on virtually all turntables project/technics etc but not on a rega

Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evo review | What Hi-Fi? (whathifi.com)

 

[Al ears]

Why buy a new turntable then change the cartridge
Buy a turntable with a better cartridge fitted as standard
SH has a shibata line contact stylus tonearm needs azimuth & VTA adjustment for best results standard on virtually all turntables project/technics etc but not on a rega

Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evo review | What Hi-Fi? (whathifi.com)

Sort of agree but not sure why you think you cannot adjust VTA on a Rega because you could on my old Planar 3

 

[gisgillen]

Thank you. I did consider the Project Debut Carbon Evo. It was that or the Rega. The reason in the end, (both excellent I believe!) but the Rega will suit my surroundings a bit better. That`s why I sold my Transcriptors. I had it 45 years but in our new place it kind of didn`t fit somehow. Thanks anyway. I don`t know what VTA is?

 

[andybebbs]

vertical tonearm adjustment

 

[Al ears]

vertical tonearm adjustment

vertical tracking angle....even

 

[Al ears]

vertical tracking angle....even

@gisgillen it is an adjustment necessary to properly align cartridges that may be of different heights to those produced by Rega. That is, most of them......

 

[gisgillen]

Thank you all so much for your replys. A Rega Planar 2 it is, with Audio Technica VM95SH.

 

[daytona600]

VTA/SRA pointless buying a turntable without adjustment
like buying a car with no gearbox & only one gear

How to Measure Dynamic Stylus Rake Angle Webinar - YouTube

 

[Al ears]

VTA can be adjusted to a degree on modern Rega turntables, I believe, via the use of shims. This is obviously not infinitely variable but better than nothing.
It does, however, make me wonder why do many people buy them.

 

[Innergroove]

Why buy a new turntable then change the cartridge
Buy a turntable with a better cartridge fitted as standard
SH has a shibata line contact stylus tonearm needs azimuth & VTA adjustment for best results standard on virtually all turntables project/technics etc but not on a rega

Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evo review | What Hi-Fi? (whathifi.com)
Simply not the case. Quite the opposite, the VM95SH will shine in any Rega Planar deck, it's not a deep bodied cartridge and doesn't need any VTA adjustment in a Rega. The arm will be parallel with the platter once fitted, and will bring the best out of this cart.