Is it possible that your cart is just at its limit during certain passages? I futzed with a Dynavector 20XL (on a VPI Scoutmaster), for a couple of years, (including using the Mint), and it still had tracking problems. While not actually jumping out of the groove, there were certain Lp's--especially passages with high, clanking piano, solo flute/horn, brass--which acquired a "papery" and "thin" sound. I have since purchased a Dynavector XX2 mk2 and even after hastily aligning it with VPI's own jig, I've not been able to make it so much as hiccup. It retains a purity of sound, transparency, roundness of tone, and semblance of air right down to the last inch of groove. I'm profoundly satisfied. I hasten to add the the Dyna 20 XL was a wonderful cart in its own right on about 95% of my collection.
Killing sibilance distortion - VPI & Jubilee
Hello,
Along with what others have posted in the recent past, I also have a long running case of nasty distortion on sibilants with my vinyl playback. It is worse in the inner grooves.
To build on some other recent threads about this topic, I ordered a MFSL that is supposed to be a good test for mistracking. I have made a recording clip of my playback playing some of the last track on Side 2.
I have the recording on this link:
Playback Recording
If you take a look at that, we can all be on the same page with what exactly is going on.
The setup is a VPI Scoutmaster table, JMW9 sig arm, Ortofon Jubilee cartridge. The table is leveled on a Salamander Archetype rack. VTA is set with the arm parallel. VTF is set to 2.4g. Alignment is setup with the MINT arc protractor, 10x magnification. The VPI mechanical Anti-Skate is being used, with the lighter rubber washers. Azimuth is level by means of the "VPI straw trick" (a straw in a groove on the headshell).
Is there anyone that can point me in the right direction to fix that sibilance distortion you're hearing on the recording?
I've tried quite a few things, including different cartridges, and VTF, VTA and antiskate settings, but the sibilance is always there.
Here are some photos of my setup:
Cartridge Closeup
Aligning with the MINT
Thanks for reading
by Goatwuss
Along with what others have posted in the recent past, I also have a long running case of nasty distortion on sibilants with my vinyl playback. It is worse in the inner grooves.
To build on some other recent threads about this topic, I ordered a MFSL that is supposed to be a good test for mistracking. I have made a recording clip of my playback playing some of the last track on Side 2.
I have the recording on this link:
Playback Recording
If you take a look at that, we can all be on the same page with what exactly is going on.
The setup is a VPI Scoutmaster table, JMW9 sig arm, Ortofon Jubilee cartridge. The table is leveled on a Salamander Archetype rack. VTA is set with the arm parallel. VTF is set to 2.4g. Alignment is setup with the MINT arc protractor, 10x magnification. The VPI mechanical Anti-Skate is being used, with the lighter rubber washers. Azimuth is level by means of the "VPI straw trick" (a straw in a groove on the headshell).
Is there anyone that can point me in the right direction to fix that sibilance distortion you're hearing on the recording?
I've tried quite a few things, including different cartridges, and VTF, VTA and antiskate settings, but the sibilance is always there.
Here are some photos of my setup:
Cartridge Closeup
Aligning with the MINT
Thanks for reading
by Goatwuss