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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 1 response by vusi_khumalo

vusi_khumalo
72 posts
 
Goatwuss, hopefully this note finds you well and with resolution to you problem.
I recently found a fix to this problem on my TT from an unexpected source. I run a Goldmund Studio with an SME V, a mod, in place of the std. T3 arm. In short, I suspect the supplied SME protractor from my early vintage arm to be incorrect somewhat. Basically a friend loaned me his SME 30/2 with Phanton arm for a month and I noticed how even with a naked eye his arm had a more aggressive alingment angle compared to my setup. So I copied and applied that setup to mine and the problem was gone! Secondly, not sure if you arm is one of those where the tonearm cable comes out on top of the "hub", those are usually "coiled" and the cable gets a bit of tension towards the inner tracks, and it adds to your Anti-Skate as it tries to "uncoil" itself. Not sure if this makes sense to you? Goodluck in your quest!
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