2. analog
  3. 1153591476

Help ...... excesssssssive sssssssssssssssssssss

I would be eternally greatfull of any asssssissstance
given to remedy a condition that my ssssystem is ssspewing
out.

I guess it's called Sibillance.
well it ssssssucks.

I have tried inserting different preamps/amps/tubes as
well as 3 different cartridges (shelter 501 II, Grado Ref.
music makerIII )
no help.

different cables have been tried too.
I used the VPI jig for setting up the cartridge & used magnifing goggles to get it right on the money.
VTF set at 1.75gm
always playing with VTA & no help.

I am wondering if the tonearm or wiring could be cause?

here is my setup:
VPI TNT Base
Teres wood platter
JMW12.5 Arm
Music Maker III cartridge
VPI phono cables

Mapleshade copper ribbon I/C's
Decware Preamp
Decware Phonostage
First Watt F1
Mapleshade Speaker cables
Hornshoppe Horns

The music my system makes is wonderful EXCEPT for the
sibillance exageration, if I can get rid of this problem
I will be an extremely happy camper.
socoaste

Showing 2 responses by nsgarch

nsgarch's avatar
nsgarch
2,524 posts
 
I'd go with Doug's suggestion, EXCEPT that you've had the problem with (at least according to your description) so many different cartridges. It could be that something is being overdriven -- like too high a gain setting in your phono preamp.

OR, if it happens with all sources and not just vinyl, it could be due to an impedance mismatch between your preamp and your amp. I've certainly run across that one before! And this particular amp needs to be configured to match your speaker drivers. Both of these issues are mentioned in the notes published on the First Watt website:

"It is well suited to sensitive full-range drivers such as Lowther or Fostex, and allows easy use of parallel loading networks to tailor the driver response.

It has both balanced and single-ended inputs. The input impedance is nominally 80 Kohm, and the output impedance is 80 ohms."
nsgarch's avatar
nsgarch
2,524 posts
 
Socoaste, I still think, based on the notes published on the First Watt website, that you should call them and find out how to configure the parallel loading networks to tailor the driver response. As Raul mentioned, and I agree, I think the problem is due to impedance mismatch between the amp and the driver, and it should be quite easy to rectify. With these kinds of amps and speakers, it's a bit like loading a moving coil cartridge -- very critical, and will (almost) never work "right out of the box."
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