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  3. 1245595534

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
goatwuss

Showing 10 responses by narrod

narrod
1,064 posts
 
The MintLP has an excellent reputation. In my experience you have an alignment issue. If you are confident that you have aligned it properly it may be that the geometry of the protractor is simply wrong.
narrod
1,064 posts
 
I continue to believe your setup is off. I know the Benz cartridge and the arm and they work well together. It is impossible be more precise from a distance. Is there a setup expert anywhere near you? Have you talked with Harry at VPI?

Good luck.

Wendell
narrod
1,064 posts
 
The pictures don't help me. I think that sending the arm and cartridge to VPI is a good idea. I've owned many arms and cartridges over the last 40 years. In my experience, your problem has always been setup related. That doesn't mean it is in this instance but that's what I would bet.

You might consider sending him all the cartridges so they can check each one they know to be set up correctly.

Good luck.

Wendell
narrod
1,064 posts
 
One other thought. Any dealer who does a setup and leaves it with sibilance isn't much of a dealer or setup expert.

Regards,

Wendell
narrod
1,064 posts
 
I have never had an analog front end that has required me to put up with sibilance. That goes for cheap to very expensive setups. Analog certainly has limits that one must accept. What you are dealing with isn't one of them. Perhaps there is something wrong with your arm. VPI can verify that.

Wendell
narrod
1,064 posts
 
I owned the original VPI Aries and the first JMW arm with a Benz L0.4. I had no such issues. I would have dumped it if that had been the case.

Wendell
narrod
1,064 posts
 
Goatwuss, you may just be one of those folks that is extremely sensitive to sibilance. Some folks are. Most of us simply don't if the setup is spot on. Unfortunately, you may never find full satisfaction with vinyl playback.

Wendell
narrod
1,064 posts
 
I have. My point is, even with a perfect setup, some listeners are very sensitive to the distortions in vinyl playback and that he may never get it where it needs to be. I've never had a properly set up front end with sibilance or distortion that wasn't related to the recording. It may be there but I don't hear it.
narrod
1,064 posts
 
Zhenya, it was just a thought and nothing more based on his comment that the P5 sound really good on the sibilants. I inferred he was still hearing them. Maybe not. It's not worth debating.
narrod
1,064 posts
 
Goatwuss, which AK? I did we quick look and didn't see the title. Perhaps I missed it. If I have it I will play it and report what I hear.
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