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cartridge allignment/test record

I just got a new turntable (SME Model 20/2) with a IV.Vi arm and Dynavector XV-1 cartridge. I am generally very pleased with the sound of this rig. To tweak it, I am using a Radio Shack test record which has two tracks for testing channel separation/crossover. On one track, the listener hears an 800Hz tone in the left channel and a 3000Hz tone in the right. When I flip the channel balance on my preamp to one side or the other, I hear what I am supposed to hear: all 800 on one side and all 3000 on the other.

The next track is reversed: 3000 left and 800 right. When I listen just to the right channel, I hear only 800. But when I listen to just the left, I hear predominently 3000 but with a good amount of 800Hz.

I have tried fiddling with the allignment, with no success. The cartridge is threaded and there is very little lateral wiggle room when mounting it in the headshell.

I have also played with the antiskate, also with no success. Interestingly, I notice the problem is less pronounced (although still a problem) with anitskate off!

This is not just a nitpicking problem. I have noticed on some LP's that I am very familiar with that the soundstage is not as wide as before. (Check out Speaker's Corner wonderful version of Getz/Gilberto Girl from Ipanema, where Astrud Gilberto is standing way left of the left speaker and Getz is way on the right.)

Any suggestions?
gboren

Showing 1 response by dougdeacon

dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Gboren,

Have you tried adjusting azimuth? It sounds like your cartridge may be similar to mine: built at an angle that makes attaining minimal crosstalk imposible. I can't get crosstalk down without setting the cartridge at such an angle that the stylus would no longer be vertical. Only solution is to rebuild/replace the cartridge.

There's lots of talk about delays with Wally these days. He was ill and nothing I've read in the last three months indicates he's "really" back. I think 4yanx, jphii, rcrump and I got lucky with our Wally delivery, probably because we ordered via a large dealer who has some clout. I'd think twice before sending him money directly.
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