2. analog
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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?

 

 

 

rrm
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cleeds
5,947 posts
 

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?

rrm OP
47 posts
 

Good point. I usedthe SME supplied gauge on the naked platter without the mat

I will try again with the mat in place to see if it makes a difference.

jasonbourne71's avatar
jasonbourne71
1,173 posts
 

Using the mat shouldn't affect the overhang. 

jasonbourne71's avatar
jasonbourne71
1,173 posts
 

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.

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