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In Reply to: RE: ART 9/VPI Classic? posted by flood2 on February 06, 2016 at 14:34:49
"Have you set the VTF?"
Presently set to specified max 2 grams. What is considered "safe" value outside of this? Is 1-2 grams a big deal?
Have you determined your antiskate level?
Antiskate has been established using the supplied Orings totaling .5 grams.
I have also tried using NO a/s.
I may surrender and just take it to a shop.
Follow Ups:
I should clarify what I wrote about VTF - you should never need to go outside the recommended range and you are already at the maximum. If you are using a test record to set VTF, an increase of 0.1g generally helps you track an additional 10um. For example if you get a clean 60um tone but slight buzzing on 70um, then increasing 0.1g should get you to a clean tone on 70um. 0.1g over the 2g maximum probably won't do harm, but to be honest AT are generally very good in my experience and I rarely need to adjust higher than the nominal VTF and still get at least 70um (usually 80um) tracking ability.
The range is defined such that you achieve approximately the correct VTA/SRA relationship (it sets the mean deflection position and ideally you want the VTF such that you get the designed VTA and the cantilever can deflect upwards and downwards symmetrically still giving the same mean reference position when tracking vertical modulations in the groove) and still meet tracking specifications and frequency response. Going outside this range (upwards) will risk damaging the suspension and will generally start to compromise the frequency response as you increase the VTF. Going under of course is just going risk mistracking and record damage and accelerated stylus wear.
Regards Anthony
"Beauty is Truth, Truth Beauty.." Keats
The range is 1.6 to 2g with a recommended nominal of 1.8g. I'm not sure how you set your VTF, but I recommend using precision scales - VTF is a very important parameter to get correct as is arm height.
I don't understand your A/S setting. Are you saying that the provided scale indicates 0.5 or are you saying that the effective ABSOLUTE mass is 0.5g? Either way, this is wAAAAaaaay off. The effective A/S amount should be roughly 10% of the VTF. If the scale for A/S is to match the VTF, then you should be aiming for the same number as the VTF.
Again, it sounds like your setting is far too coarse.
Probably best to take in to someone with accurate tools!
Regards Anthony
"Beauty is Truth, Truth Beauty.." Keats
it sounds well balance from the top end to the bottom end. With all the AT's I had/have I never have to even get close to the upper limit. Always sound best just right in the middle of the VTF range.
From another look at the pic on the OP, it looks like a lot of dust and other stuff on the LP. I don't know if this is being left during playback and if this is one of the LP's being used that the OP is refering to the ART 9 with issues. A nice clean record right off the start would help with the process of elimination. Just one less thing to worry about. :) Just trying to help troubleshoot with the reported issues.
"From another look at the pic on the OP, it looks like a lot of dust and other stuff on the LP."
I took another look, and found that my camera lense is quite dirty. I did however, find all 3 steps of the Feikert gauge off a smidge. Also fussed with A/S.Not wanting to REALLY devote time and patience, it didn't noticeably improve or worsen the sibilance issue.
This video actually reminded what realistic expectations I should have. Even through a crappy tablet speaker, one can hear a nice system. When I play this cut, a word containing SH,CH or has an S, is exaggerated, hissy.
Good observation! You know I got so carried away on the other possible alignment issues, I completely forgot about mentioning the most obvious... cleaning the record!!! I'm glad you did though - I guess it's something some of us take for granted :)
Over the years, I've changed how I use the test records to set VTF. When I got hold of my first test disc (Ortofon TC-002), I used to obsess about tracking the highest level cleanly, until I realised that it wasn't the whole story and it only tested the suspension. When I accepted that some cartridges simply couldn't get to 80um (as I only had the Ortofon test disc at that time) and then focussed on what sounded best, I found myself back in the middle of the VTF range or thereabouts.
Like you, I always start off at nominal now, and nudge up or down if absolutely necessary to clean things up sonically.
Regards Anthony
"Beauty is Truth, Truth Beauty.." Keats
things with test records and using a scope to set his Azimuth. He use the TEST LP's and tries to get his cartridge/tonearm to track the very last torture track. Always fiddling with with his table and wonders why he can't get it to do the test record or other measurements he read it should do. He says I why can't i get my table to sound like your? The first thing I ask him once it's all aligned properly and setup right is, How does it sound? If it sounds great then leave it alone! :) I always tell him let your ears be the judge! But I do tell him that setting the cartridge up correctly is important and not torture tracks.
One cartridge I did have to go up to the limit was my Shelter 901. It sounds best right at the limit and anything lower would not sound good or I would have sibilance type sound on some LP's.
Have you gone back and referenced the alignment again? When I set my AT micro lines up on pivot/radial arms after I set the weight and VTA I go back and check the alignment again. Make sure the azimuth is set correctly too. These types of cartridges are very finicky and have to be setup just right. I know it can really try your patience but hang in there.Btw, I just got the Audio technical AT33ptg II and I have not heard any sibilance at all. Even brofore I got it dialed in. But I do have it on a linear tracking tone arm. But I do know the VTA does have big effect on the sound quality.
Try a new or seldom use record that you know doesn't have any issues.
Hope this helps!
Edits: 02/07/16 02/07/16
Yes, thanks for the reminder.
I will go thru the routine a few more times, if no success, off to shop it goes.
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