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Anyone NOT like the sound of VPI?

I'm wondering if I'm just not a VPI guy. Bought a Scoutmaster with signature JMW arm and a Shelter 501 MKII cartridge. This was after buying a Rega P3-24 with an Elys II cartridge. Thought the Rega was very dark sounding (at least with that cartridge).

The VPI sounded unnatural to me (no midbass whatsoever). Thought it was a bad cartridge, but recently heard a Scout (with signature arm) equipped with a Dynavector cartridge. This was on a system at a retailer where I was auditioning speakers and I didn't think it sounded much different from what I have at home.

While I hate overdone midbass, I certainly miss it if it's absent. I'm wondering if I'm just not a VPI guy and should try something else - maybe a Rega (P5?) with a different cartridge...

madfloyd

Showing 2 responses by tfkaudio

tfkaudio
591 posts
 
I'm surprised that nobody, from a quick look, has suggested what seems to be the obvious problem: VTA. Lower the base of the tonearm a little and see if you get your bass back.

Cheers.

Tom
tfkaudio
591 posts
 
Lowering the tonearm at the base (my suggestion) will increase the bass, but go too far and you'll lose the mids and highs, so be careful. Also, adjusting the VTA will affect your VTF, so re-measure that when you are done.

Before adjusting, attempt to determine if the arm is parallel to the playing surface. Based on your symptoms, I would guess the arm is higher at the back and lower at the cartridge. If you can see that it is higher, without having to use a ruler, then it's WAY too high in the back. Otherwise, the way to measure is to lower the arm onto the record (use a beat up record) and use a ruler to measure the height of the arm at two points. That will tell you if the arm is higher at the back. (It's not that easy, truth be told, because the JMW9 arm is tapered. You have to look closely.)

And be careful not to knock the arm with your ruler or hand, since its sitting in the groove. I wouldn't want my advice to result in a busted cantilever!

Good luck.

Tom
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