 
|
Audio Asylum Thread Printer Get a view of an entire thread on one page |
For Sale Ads |
|
|
Audio Asylum Thread Printer Get a view of an entire thread on one page |
For Sale Ads |
24.191.112.96
I am using a HiFi News Analogue Test LP to check a newly installed used Dynavector 20x2H in my Michell Gyro SE with an OL 250 fitted with the counterweight Stub and upgraded wiring, incognito comes to mind.The problem begins with Band 7 of the LP Bias/Anti-skate Setting: 300Hz tone L+R 14dB. I can hear something is wrong and when I go to Band 8: +16dB I get Morse Code. I tried playing with the Anti-skate setting but it did no good.
The only other test record I have is an old Sure LP from the 70's and it does OK on that except the last track of the Bass Drum.
I'm not sure where the problem lies, deck arm or cartridge. The Anti-skate mechanism on the OL does not strike me as all that good on the OL but then again the cartridge is not new and it does look as if the cantilever is not perfectly straight.
The cartridge I'm replacing is a Reson Reca which is a hot-rodded Goldring 1042 so it never really put my setup to the test.
So what do I do? New deck, new arm, new cartridge or all 3. I could stick to CD's but would that not be cheating.
One more thought, is there anyone on Long Island NY that does an in home service for setting up a turntable. It may be time to call in a professional.
All suggestions will be gratefully accepted.
Thanks for you help.
Alan.
Edits: 10/17/14Follow Ups:
My Audio Technica OC9 ML II on a Gyro SE with Michell TechnoArm (a modified Rega RB250) tracked everything on this test LP. And everything else I've ever thrown at it. Remarkable at the price.
The OC9ML/II is an excellent tracking cartridge. Mine also tracked all the tests including the +18-dB test. Unfortunately, of all my recent cartridges, the OC9ML/II is the least favorite sounding cartridge. I probably have more recordings from my OC9ML/II than any of my other cartridges, but I rarely listen to them anymore because I like the sound of my other cartridges better.
Best regards,
John Elison
Aw man,your cruel telling me things like that.Years ago when I first started in this game, I had a home made turntable made from a 3/4" Formica shelf with Micro-Seiki feet and an SME 3009 II Improved arm with Sure V15 III. All driven by a Connoisseurs BD1 Turntable Kit, oh happy days. That thing was musical and it tracked everything on the Sure Test LP. I guess it should have done seeing as Sure made the cartridge and the test LP. I spent many a blissful hour with that rig and I've always wanted another SME I just don't have the funds,yet.
Edits: 10/18/14
...and many well regarded carts don't make it through the last 2 bands.
Did your old cartridge track the +16-dB test? Some cartridges will not track the +16-dB and +18-dB test tones. In fact, most cartridges will not track the +18-dB test tone.
My advice is to never buy used cartridges unless you really know what you're doing. It seems like your Dynavector cartridge might be damaged since you say the cantilever is not centered. Do you know whether the stylus is worn? I believe it's always best to buy new cartridges unless you are really sure about the condition of the used cartridges.
I would recommend sending your cartridge to SoundSmith for an inspection. Peter Ledermann at SoundSmith will be honest with you as to the condition of your cartridge and he might also be able to adjust the suspension to center the cantilever. Furthermore, he will let you know whether the stylus is okay or whether it needs replacing. If you need to replace the stylus, I believe your inspection fee will be rolled into the price of a retip.
Good luck,
John Elison
I cant remember how the Reson tracked, it was a Mica not a Reca, I don't think I had the HiFi News test LP when I installed the Reson only the Sure test LP.
I called Soundsmith and they will inspect the 20x2H for $75 which is a lot less than I expected. I did spend a couple of hours listening to it and it never reached a point that I felt something was wrong with the cartridge, only on the test record. On some records,Brubeck's Take 5, Dire Straits and Santana's Abraxes it sounded very good.
I was hoping it could unravel Yes's 'Close to the Edge' which always reminds me of a pot of stew, with everything clumped together in the middle of the speakers.
If your cartridge was brand new, I would say don't worry about it because many cartridges don't track the +16-dB and +18-dB tracks. However, unless you are very sure about the condition of the stylus, I would still recommend having it checked out. If it is excessively worn it can still sound fine while doing permanent damage to the record groove. Sometimes the money you save on a used cartridge is not a savings at all. On the other hand, if you know and trust the person you bought it from and you know it has low hours on the tip, then it's possible there is nothing wrong except a slightly misaligned cantilever. The diamond stylus should last around 1000 playing hours before needing to be replaced. It's your call.
Good luck,
John Elison
Post a Followup:
| FAQ |
Post a Message! |
Forgot Password? |
|
||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||
This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:
Top of Page ]
[ Contact Us ]
[ Support/Wish List ]
[ Copyright © 2024, Audio Asylum, all rights reserved ]
