[bside123]

Greetings! I've recently acquired a Nottingham Horizon SE Turntable with a Modified Rega RB300 Tonearm (Incognito ReWire & Origin Live Structural Mod). The SE version uses a stand alone motor, which sits on its own base, that decouples the motor from the plinth. As I am just getting to know the table, I've run into a few questions. I'm wondering if any AC members might have some experience and could lend a hand (ear?):

1) The RB300 sits in a special sleeve/collar on the armboard. The sleeve has two small allen bolts in the back that tighten the arm base in place and allow for adjustment of the VTA. However, there is NO large nut underneath the arm base that typically would secure the arm to the table plinth.



Is the large nut needed to properly seat the tonearm? If so, how does it interact with the RB300 sleeve/collar? And... are there positive/negative effects on the sound quality depending upon the use of these two tightening devices?

2) Other than the gazillion tweaks for the RB300, and other Rega based tonearms, does anyone know of any particular tweaks for the Nottie Horizon SE TT?

3) Also, who services or carries this product in the United States? I've done a search and have found little info Stateside. There is a group called "ASL Group," but their website is blank with no further information. Are there any other Nottie distributors or dealers in the US for product info, tech stuff and supplies, i.e., belts?

I bought this little table for a second system. I've originally set it up in my reference system and have to say that I am pretty impressed with its performance in the little time I've had to listen. The background is very quiet, the presentation is warm and inviting, the table throws a large soundstage. These qualities have all come with an extremely modest price tag.

I'm currently using a Clearaudio Maestro Wood cartridge. This might be a bit too warm, however, I am beginning the process of narrowing down the variables in the TT's sound. The rubber feet seem to be a weakness (mushy), I'm suspicious of the foam mat, and I am not using the supplied MDF base. I would rather use my own rack, which is a modified Zoethecus with Z-slabs.

Any input, suggestions, personal experiences or answers to my questions would be much appreciated. This table makes me wonder what the higher end Notties offer. Thanks and happy listening.



 

[jimdgoulding]

Maybe these guys can be of help- Down To Earth Audio, 540-375-0080.  Hopefully. they are still around.

[bside123]

Thanks Jim: I'll give them a shout. By the way, I am using your surround product with a set of Acoustic Zen Adagio Jr. speakers with very good results in a small listening room system. Dunlavy had a great idea, didn't he?

[jimdgoulding]

He did and my heart is glad.  Always when I hear from a customer.  Good listening.  I spike my Horizon.  Well, the cherry wood base it rests on is spiked (you can see it in my gallery).  A friend has one of their top tables with a 12" arm with a Koetsu Rosewood and it is velvety quiet, warm and richly detailed. 

[Wayner]

The large pipe nut is the usual way that the RB300 was secured to the plinth, requiring just one single hole. I suspect that Nottingham decided that they would like to have adjustable VTA, that Rega just simply doesn't care about. So Nottingham "doctored" up the arm mount with their own collar and put a couple of set screws in it to secure it. I'm sure if you loosen both of them, you will be able to raise or lower the height of the arm.

To your questions 2 and 3, I haven't a clue.

Wayner

[bside123]

Jim: I tried contacting the referral that you mentioned, both by phone and by email. They must be out of business, because the phone is disconnected as well as the email bounced back. Bummer. I'll take a look at your gallery photo. I've got some ideas for tweaking the TT myself.

Wayner: Thanks for your reply. Yea, I'm aware of the general mounting for the RB300. Although a little awkward, it's easy enough to adjust the VTA with the 2 set screws on the back of Nottingham's custom collar. I am simply wondering if I am missing something without having that large pipe nut to synch up the arm base after the VTA adjustment. Or... if tightening the 2 set screws is all that is required. I've read that some believe that they get a decrease in fidelity when the mounting of a Rega tone arm is tooooo tight. Regarding my questions 2 and 3, I also don't have a clue, but I am sure that I will either get one or make one up soon!