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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 3 responses by vpihw

vpihw
8 posts
 
The problem is the cartridge needs a 3-4 gram weight on the headshell to improve the upper bass lower midrange response. This is not an ideal match but can be made to work if you increase the mass.

You must also let the Valhalla wire break in, seriously, it needs 50 to 60 hours of playing to loosen up the sound. Set the back of the arm down slightly which will slighly increase the tracking force, make sure you are level and if you do not have seriously slam bang bass get
a new phono section.

I really don't understand why dealers team up cartridges and arms based on absolutely nothing. Get the Dynavector 20X-M and you will have slam, bass, and a beautiful soundstage and midrange.

HW
vpihw
8 posts
 
The M is faster than the H almost as fast as the L but has a very powerful impact on transients with the right phono section or transformer and loading. With a transformer around 40 ohms with a phono section around 1K

HW
vpihw
8 posts
 
Wish I had more time to really get into it with you guys. Keep up the good work and giving great advice.

HW
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