[Bill A]

Hi All – I just acquired a Rega P3 from a fellow ACer (thanks Mosawdust!) and I need a cart for it.  An Elys 2 can be had for a little under $300, but I would like a few more choices and opinions in the $300 or under range.  I’m just getting back into vinyl after 20 some years and this is the first good TT I’ve ever owned.

I realize this question has probably been ask hundreds of times, but if you would indulge me I would greatly appreciate it.

The P3/RB300 has no means for VTA adjust aside from inserting shims under the arm base (which I’m not opposed to doing).  I have seen several recommendations for the Ortofon 2M Blue and OM versions and it seems that the stock VTA is correct for these.  Also Goldring and AT have been mentioned.

I listen mostly to rock, blues and jazz with a little bluegrass thrown in.

My current pre is an Adcom GFP-565.  I plan on moving to an outboard phono stage as funds permit.  Maybe a good DIY unit.

Thanks!

Bill

[DaveyW]

Hi Bill,

At that sort of figure I'd personally be looking at the AT150MLx

There's some downloadable WAV clips of this and a few other carts  here.

Cheers
Dave

[Wayner]

I run the AT440MLa with great success on the RB300.

Wayner

[tomytoons]

2> 2mm shims and an SAE1000lt ($200).
Shims for the RB300 are cheaper like $15 ea.

Enough said.


http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=96009.100

[Bill A]

The AT440MLa was on my list and from what I've read has a great price to performance ratio, but I wasn't sure it would mate well with the RB300.  I think I will order one up and see how it goes.  The price is right and I will have another TT before long I could use it on if I wanted to upgrade.

Thanks!

Bill

[Wayner]

I think you'll be very pleased with it's performance. Tracks like a bastard at 1.6 grams. Give it a bit to loosen up (may sound a little top heavy), but that will go away in awhile.

Certainly is a good buy, I have 6 of them (and about 10 replacement styli).

 

[Bill A]

Whoa!  I thought people were investing in gold.  Never thought about pickups 

I'm pretty comfortable with the choice.  I ordered one this evening and am anxious to get it set up and start breaking it in.

Do people typically leave the stylus guard in place during use?

Bill

[drphoto]

I had a Denon DL110 on my P3-24 and thought it sounded great for the money. I think that model is no longer available however. Did require shims.

I just recently sold everything only because I just don't have the time to enjoy the rig.

[TONEPUB]

It's $100 out of your budget, but we just finished a review on the new Ortofon MC Vivo.
Nice cart, great sound, easy to set up.  No where near as bright and forward as that AT cart.

Seeing you're using a SS pre to begin with, might be worth checking out...

[tapesonic]

How would you compare the Vino to the Rega Exact? I've got an aging Exact that gives me almost all of what I'm looking for sound wise, but could maybe use a slight touch more warmth. Thx.

[Wayner]

It's $100 out of your budget, but we just finished a review on the new Ortofon MC Vivo.
Nice cart, great sound, easy to set up.  No where near as bright and forward as that AT cart.

Seeing you're using a SS pre to begin with, might be worth checking out...

If your AT is bright and forward, something else is wrong. I have print outs from AT and the response actually dips slightly at the higher frequencies. Try doing a 2° rake angle on the stylus.....




Wayner