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Lyra Kleos: tracking force/VTA/azimuth questions

I just bought a Lyra Kleos and I'm mounting it on a VPI JMW 12.7 (HRX turntable). I've done a bit of research, including Jonathan Carr's many posts here), so I know VTF is critical. I've done a trial set up to Lyra specs, and it doesn't sound right - piano in particular is distorted as if the cartridge is approaching break-up. I suspect the way I've set VTF. VPI recommends measuring VTF at the level of the record, which is impossible with the electronic scale I currently use - I simply put it on the platter and took readings, after first calibrating the scale, of course, and left it at 1.75 g. VPI says that simply measuring tracking force that way will under-represent actual VTF at the level of the record by a substantial amount because of the height of the gauge over the platter. Could that be the source of the problem I'm hearing? With other carts, I've done a couple of tests that seem to verify VPI's advice, so I plan to carefully measure the plinth to platter-top height, remove the platter, and build a temporary platform lower by exactly the thickness of the scale's pan. I'll put the scale on that, and then set VTF to Lyra's specs. This will result in VTF at the level of the record measuring correctly, when I put the scale on the mock-up platter, but NOT when I just slap the scale on the platter - it will measure higher. So my question is: does anyone see any potential problems flowing from my use of this process? I plan first to set VTA slightly tail high to approximate the magic 92 degrees SRA that seems to be the consensus of opinion these days.

Also, I'd like a bit of advice on using a fozgometer to measure azimuth. In my trial set up, I've never been able to get exactly the same readings left vs. right channel with the Foz; the best is a two-division difference, right higher in level than the left. I also get a one division reading, rather than zero, on the channel balance test, with both channel lights very faintly lit. Could this be a function of insufficient tracking force, or is there something else at play?

Thanks to any and all who might feel the spirit to respond (hopefully including you, Mr. Carr).
zachteich

Showing 1 response by drmuso

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drmuso
151 posts
 

I am resurrecting this thread because I found it helpful in setting up my recently-purchased Kleos.

I also wanted to mention a trick I use for setting azimuth that might be helpful for a few.  I use the record level meters on my Nakamichi CR-7 cassette deck to see the crosstalk levels for each channel of a test LP.  I first use pink noise on a test CD to ensure that both L and R meters of the Nak are correctly calibrated.  Then I use a test LP that has pink noise on each channel separately, and I note the peak levels of each channel on the Nak meters.  I adjust the azimuth until both channels show similar crosstalk (the difference between the level of each channel when sound is supposedly on one channel only).

I found this more satisfactory in setting up the Kleos than relying on a visual judgment of azimuth using the cartridge-on-a-mirror method.

It was interesting how sensitive the Kleos is to small differences in setup, especially antiskating.  I used the antiskating test bands on my Hi-Fi News and Record Review test LP to dial in the optimal antiskating force.  I have an Eminent Technology ET-2 linear-tracking turntable, so the only way to affect antiskating is through the level of the turntable.  Once everything else was adjusted, it turned out that the optimal antiskating corresponded to the turntable being perfectly level, as judged from a carpenter's level on the turntable platter.

Only after doing all this was I able to eliminate some left-channel distortion I was hearing with multiple LPs that I had not heard with my previous cartridges.

So if you have a tape deck with an adequate level meter, that's an alternative to more sophisticated test equipment for adjusting cartridge azimuth.

The Kleos was pre-owned and supposedly played for under 50 hrs.  The seller, Wayne's Audio, told me it would need a further 20-30 hrs. break-in, since he had not been using it for a while.  Already though, I am impressed with its resolution and timbral neutrality.  And since it tracks under 2 gm VTF, it should be gentle on my records.  I also like how the cantilever projects about 1/4 inch in front of the cartridge's body.  That makes it easier to clean the stylus and accurately cue records.

Has anyone else experienced that a cartridge that hasn't been used for a year needs a second break-in period?

 

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