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Rega P1 + OM20 Setup Problems

S

sumocomputer

New Member
I have a Rega P1 turntable, which I have had for about 1 year, running it with the supplied Ortofon OMB5e cartridge and the stock RB100 arm. I have been happy with the turntable, but started getting some better vinyl, so I decided to upgrade to an Ortofon Super OM cartridge, and 20 Stylus (OM20 when combined).

In any case, I ran into a few issues when trying do the proper "Advanced Setup" from http://www.audiophilia.com/features/cartridge_setup.htm, and hoped someone might be able to point me in the right direction, or just confirm my assumptions. Even though I am having issues, I will say the sound is pretty good, but of course want to make sure I am getting the most out of the unit. I found tons of info on all the setup instructions and what to listen for, but not on some visual sanity checks to do after your setup is done.


1. Using a Shure SFG-2 on a level turntable and anti-skate to 0, I set the tracking weight to 1.5 grams. But when playing records, it seems like the cantilever is almost bottoming out, at least compared to the OMB5e. It seems that with a little record warp, I should see the cantilever should move a bit, but it does not, though the arm does very nicely. The cartridge bottom has some clearance, so it never hits the vinyl. I have photo at the link below, as this is my biggest concern:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/coffeeguy/2758213196/

2. It seems like getting the right alignment using all the common protractors out there might not be possible with this arm. The biggest problem I ran into was that I simply could not get the stylus far enough forward for the inner alignment point on most protractors. I found a Stereophile article somewhere that confirms it is the headshell slots that are to blame. So I ignored this part, and followed Rega's instructions of lining up the tip of the stylus with a special hole in the headshell. Hopefully this is OK.

3. There really isn't any Azimuth adjustment, so I just ignored this part. It seems very close to parallel to the record. Hopefully this is OK.

4. There isn't really an Arm Height adjustment without shims, so I just ignored this part. It seems very close to parallel to the record. Hopefully this is OK.

I have a Hi-Fi News test record on the way, I was planning on using that to further fine-tune the anti-skate and possibly the tracking weight.

Thanks for any other help or pointers.


Chris
 
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Try to lower the VTF quite a bit, would be possible according how the VTA looks. Will most likely also sound better with lower VTF.
With warps the cantilever should not really move but the cart together with the cantilever should move simultaneously, or else the resonance frequency is to low.
/gusten
 
I have mounted an OMB5 on a P2 and like secretguy says it rides the same as yours. You could try raising the height of your RB100 using washers from the hardware store. Thats what I did to correct the VTA but to be honest heard no difference with the OMB5, but might make a difference with the Super OM20 though.

The Rega alignment card or a Stephenson jig is what I would recommend with the Rega and should mount easily within the slots.

Dave
 
Looking at your picture I don't think there's a problem, some cartridges just ride really low to the vinyl. Someone who has experience with this cartridge might come along and say otherwise, but I can tell you my Dynavector actually rides even lower, if you can believe it!

If there's anything seriously out of whack your ears will most likely tell you.
 
My OM20 and OM10 Super styli ride the same way. As long as the VTF is within spec, I think you're fine, Chris. Except for...
4. There isn't really an Arm Height adjustment without shims, so I just ignored this part. It seems very close to parallel to the record. Hopefully this is OK.
Click to expand...
I had to put a couple of 0.006" paper shims at the front between the cart and the mounting to raise the rear end of the cart up so that it didn't look like it was dragging its rump. The treble and separation did improve noticeably, and the muddiness I was hearing vanished. You may wish to consider doing this as well.
Tom
 
IMO it's better to play around a bit with VTA than not to, because you don't know what you might be missing.
 
Appreciate all the replies. Good to know the cart riding low is OK.

If I get brave enough, I will play with some of the other adjustments as recommended (VTA in particular).

Just from a setup perspective, I sure find the P1 lacking as I really like to have the ability to tweak. But in retrospect, it has kept me happy for the last year. I think it is great for a starter set, but I am ready to move up now, and currently looking at other stuff out there like Pro-ject, Thorens, etc.

I also have a old B&O Tangential 4004 that I refurbed, but man, New Old Stock cartridges for that thing are like hens teeth. I am really tempted to dump both and get into something better that has a lot of tweaking ability, and a large following.

Thanks again,

Chris
 
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