Mounting a Rega three point arm (with VTA adjuster?) on a SL1200 Mk2

[CageyH]

Gents,

I have been puzzling over this for a while. I know it's been done before, but never by me.
I have an AO modified RB251 en route to me. I have also ordered an armboard from Sound supports, but I am unsure if the Rega glass filled plastic VTA spacer will fit.
It's hard to tell from the pictures. The shims for the armboard are currently out of stock. The current plan is to fit the arm, even if it means using washers as spacers to see what it sounds like in my system.

If I wanted to be able to adjust the VTA easier than removing the arm, would the Mitchell or Isokinetic VTA adjusters fit, or would I need a different armboard?
If I like the sound what would be the best option for VTA adjustment without having to remove the arm?
The OL armboard seems to get mixed reviews. I am guessing that a Custom ebony armboard would do the job nicely?
That would also allow me to get a VTA adjuster taken into consideration when it is manufactured.

[Stratmangler]

This any use http://www.rega.co.uk/html/spacer%20-%20adjustable.htm ?

[Stratmangler]

To be honest the Isonkinetic shims look to be the best workable system http://www.ebay.ie/itm/ISOKINETIK-3-POINT-VTA-SHIM-SPACER-6MM-KIT-REGA-3-POINT-TONEARMS-RB301-RB202-/181165367586?pt=UK_AudioTVElectronics_HomeAudioHiF i_Turntables&hash=item2a2e4c2122 .
The only issue is that the height increments are in 2mm changes - that's quite a change in pillar height, and might well miss a sweet spot.

It's still a bit of a faff to do adjustment, but you do not need to fully remove the arm from it's position.

[CageyH]

I was wondering if anybody has used one of these: http://www.michell-engineering.co.uk/tonearms/new-rega-3-point-vta-adjuster/
It looks fairly neat, and should give easy adjustment in less crude steps than the Rega stepped adjuster.

[Stratmangler]

Your main issue is that the Michell VTA adjuster, whilst beautifully made, is designed to work with their own armboards on their own turntables.
You might struggle to fit it within the confines of the armboard on the Techie.
The same potential issue exists with all of the other makers of VTA adjusters for the 3 point Rega arms.

Origin Live just make comment about not thinking that the 3 point arm is superior, that any problems with the original were down to inappropriate installation (over tightening of the nut) and leave it at that.

[CageyH]

My Sound Supports armboard has turned up. I'm just waiting for the arm and Rega adjuster to arrive, and then I will begin surgery.

[CageyH]

As luck would have it, I don't need to worry about the VTA adjustment. The top of the arm is level with the record.
It's just as well, as the Rega plastic VTA adjuster will not fit the Sound Supports arm board.

[CageyH]

A few snaps:

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3748/11756843395_8f89b88eb7_z_d.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7420/11756878815_c4f92277c1_z_d.jpg

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3729/11757051343_c8d5e94d26_z_d.jpg

I'm not proud of the washers :mental:, but I am too impatient to wait for a lighter counterweight to be delivered.

[CageyH]

I have to say, I am loving the difference in sound that this new arm has given me.
I have read here that Rega arms don't work well on Technics decks due to synergy, but I am happy.
This may be because I have not heard what a top end arm will do, but ignorance is bliss.
Nothing on my deck is top end. It's more like a package tour to Audio happiness, than a trip to audio nirvana, but I am enjoying every minute of it.

I am hoping that tomorrow I get a glimpse of high end and I get to fit a Mike New bearing.
Come one Mr Postie - I want it now!

[CageyH]

I have seen that the Michell adjuster works with a Rega deck - http://www.forum-audiophile.fr/realisations-diy/montage-et-reglage-du-vta-sur-rega-p3-t24892.html so, all I need now is a suitable arm board.

[costerdock]

Looks really great - I think the Rega arms are really nice looking.

[CageyH]

I don't really care what it looks like if it sounds good. Saying that, the Wand is not really to my taste
I was after value for money, on a budget and I think I found that with my arm.
I'd love to get a better arm later, but that will take a while to save the cash up.

[costerdock]

I don't really care what it looks like if it sounds good. Saying that, the Wand is not really to my taste
I was after value for money, on a budget and I think I found that with my arm.
I'd love to get a better arm later, but that will take a while to save the cash up.

Ok - then I take back my compliment - haha - but it does look nice. Congrats that it also sounds better.

[CageyH]

I have just done a back to back comparison of my two CD players against my Techie, and the Techie now blows them away...

I am really happy with this.