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Cartridge set up questions - Spacedeck / Space arm

I have recently obtain a used Spacedeck and Space arm setup. They are the older version. The space arm is the carbon fiber version which is a version older than the latest Ace Space arm.

I have encoutered two problems during set up.

1) The cartridge is too light or the counter weight is too heavy. With the cart installed at end of the head shell, the VTF is fail to meet the required VTF of 1.5 to 1.9 gram.

I had to put a small piece of blu tak on the headshell to provide the correct VTF. Is this normal or did i do something wrong?

2)The left channel is about 3 db louder when playing pink noise. The balance is perfect when playing cd. Again, did I do something wrong?

Please help.
kentchai

Showing 5 responses by 4yanx

4yanx
1,576 posts
 
There is quite a wide range of VTF adjustment on that Spacearm. I find it difficult to fathom a modern cartridge which would not work in that respect. There is, of course, a brass cylinder within a black semi-sleeve just behind the arm pivot. This cylinder slides fore and aft such that VTF is adjusted. Are you SURE that you made this adjustment?

The other could well be an azimuth or alignment issue. As Patrick has indicated, the disclosure of your cartidge would be helpful.
4yanx
1,576 posts
 
Upon reflection, your 3db difference is likely alignment and not azimuth. How did you determine the 3dB difference? I am MOST interested in why you cannot achieve proper VTF. This seems wholly implausible.
4yanx
1,576 posts
 
I'm not sure what you have there, Kent. One of the Spacedecks that I had, I sold locally, WITHOUT an arm (my son has the other). I sold the Spacearm separately, so I doubt that you have the same table AND arm. At any rate, I used a XX-2 (8.0 gr) on the arm that I had AND a 17d2 (5.3 gr) and was able to set VTF just fine. I am at a loss as to your issue.

If you decide to order a heavier cylinder (it is bronze actually, my mistake), call Nottingham directly and tell them your issue. IF they agree that it needs to be replaced, which I doubt, ask them if you can buy from them directly. When they say you have to go through ASL, tell them you will do so but would like for them to notify ASL that you will be calling them and ask whom you should speak with at ASL. Then, call THAT person at ASL and tell them you talked to Nottingham directly. YOu will get better service that way.
4yanx
1,576 posts
 
I thought the 10X4 was 6.6 gr. Anyway, there are better cartridges for the Spacearm and I might consider going that way before buying a new weight.
4yanx
1,576 posts
 
1) Follow Ozzy instruction regarding the lead
2) Borrow or buy a different cartridge for comparison
3) Assess your phono stage and amplification

I doubt very highly that your issues are table or arm related. Having experience with the Spacearm, I have no clue how rising the arm had anythign to do with more freedom of the brass cylinder, but as long as it works.

I have one more suggestion, and I mean this to be helpful. Find someone local who is experienced with arm/cartridge setup. Ask them to go through with you the process step-by-step. Even if you have to pay someone to do this the first time, it is worth the experience in the long run. Alternatively, find one of the many link that go through the process in detail and practice.
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