Changing the turntable mat did more than change the VTA/SRA, it also changed the overhang. What tools are you suing to align the phono cartridge?
Help with tone arm geometry and bass
After installing a new cartridge, I checked that my SME 309 tonearm was level. The sound of voices especially male voices was a bit bass heavy. so I added a ringmat turntable mat which raised the level at the head shell by 2mm. The bass heaviness disappeared. This is the opposite of what I was led to expect. I always thought head shell up meant tail down and more bass. have I got it wrong?
I would like to dispense with the ring mat so I can use a record clamp on the spindle. But this would mean tone arm level again. Which way do I adjust the tone arm to remove the bass heavyness without the mat?
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SRA (Stylus Rake Angle) is always a guess. Different LP's are often cut with different rake angles. There is no industry standard. Your cartridge as presently setup may sound heavier for bass on certain LP's and lighter on others. That's why it is good to have a tonearm with easily adjustable height at the pivot, like a Jelco. |
New Cartridge ?? How Long in use ?? In my experiences had with assessing New Cart's across 50-100 hours of usage. Bass is the most obvious frequency effected from the period it takes the Damper > Tension Wire assembly to settle in. Enjoy the Break In Period, it is good for training ones ears to detecting changes to t an end sound. Toying with Geometry may be a little early as an investigation. |
@cleeds : How much? Half a millimeter? Like that much really matters? |
Cleeds is correct. But I don’t think a change in overhang would enhance bass. The OP is also correct in thinking that “tail down” usually enhances bass, contrary to his direct experience. I suggest maybe the change in mats is the cause. I agree with Pindac, let the cartridge break in before fiddling. Also “level” is the best start point for VTA with every cartridge I own. |
If you want to get it perfect with zero guessing, call JR at Wally Tools and get the cart analyzed and use the tool set to align to objective measurements. I’ve just done this with a MSL Signature Platinum on a Clearaudio Universal arm. Results are astonishing. One and done. see my recent post on this if interested |
What @macg19 said. JR analyzed two of mine (MSL Signature Gold and Hana Umami Red) and set up my table. (Luckily we’re both in the Bay Area.) One of the best & nicest guys in the biz. Give him a call & he’ll set you straight. |