Hello, I've just set up a Pro-ject Carbon DC Esprit, dialed in the arm etc., and while the upper spectrum of the sound is great, there is just no bass, let's say below the 80-100hz range. It's been probably 30 years since I've fooled around with turntables so I can't remember if that's just the way it's supposed to be. Luckily I have a Velodyne SMS-1 bass management system to turn up what I'm missing, but without that I'd be completely disappointed. Using a CDP my speakers are very full of bass. I've played with the tone arm adjustments with no difference in bass really, all supplied cables hooked up and checked, the cart is an Ortofon Red, the phono preamp is integrated in the Rogue Audio Sphinx amp. Any suggestions/opinions?
Well, I see that the problem may be more like in cartridge more than anything else. No alignment or VTA can drastically diminish bass, but proper VTF is required to be in specified range per cartridge.
The cartridge either 1. not wired properly 2. replaceable stylus not mounted tight
3. cartridge/stylus is defected since new
if the cartridge/needle not new
4. cartridge is clogged and needs cleaning with stylus removed(if applicable) 5. stylus is worn and needs re-tip or replacement
Check these published specs I found for Ortofon 2m red to see if good match to Sphinx phono specs (or check with Rogue for feedback and maybe a cart recommendation if not):
Specifications
Output voltage at 1000 Hz, 5cm/sec.: 5.5 mV
Recommended load resistance: 47 kOhm
Recommended load capacitance: 150-300 pF
Also what tracking force are you using? Here is recommended range. I’d start with teh recommended 1.8g and be sure to match antiskate to tracking force accordingly as always
Tracking force range: 1,6-2,0g (16-20 mN) Tracking force, recommended: 1.8 g (18 mN)
The suggestion to check and make sure the proper connections to the premounted cart are in place is a good one. If the 4 wires and prongs on cart are color coded, that makes it easy.
Don't buy it....If it was all about "convenience" no one would do lps..IMO having both (and Id bet my analog setup is as good or better than a lot of analog audiophiles on this site) its always an excuse that Im not doing something correct,my setup isn't correct,I cant hear what a table can actually do,whatever the statement is bull..but having said that I don't expect it to be as enjoyable as my digital side and im ok with it.Even though with all the hassels involved and there are a ton its still fun and that what its about to me when doing albums.
Yea,Ive heard all this a ton of time..its your setup.its your cartridge,its your phone amp,its your cable,tilt the cartridge,tilt the arm,need to clean your albums better,get a cleaning machine,its the anti skate,try a weight,...on and on and on...when does it stop,lol
Vinyl gives a much better dynamics, pace and bass than cds. Something is definitely wrong either with turntable set-up or phono stage. Can you try another phono and re-check the cartridge alignment? Also, this entry level cartridge may be bass deficient, I don't know, but still shouldn't be too bad.
Im in the same boat my friend.I dove back into analog after a 30 year absence,If your comparing digital to it,it never stands up in terms of dynamics,pace,speed and certainly da bottom end and the control of it.Nature of the beast,IMO.....but it sure is fun spinning these days
My explanation above was not good. What I should have written is "lower the rear of the tonearm a tiny bit, so that the top surface of the headshell is very slightly slanted to the rear, rather than plane parallel to the LP surface". I think that's clearer, but please do not hesitate to ask if it's not.
You've left out the two most critical bits of information: What tonearm? What cartridge? (Maybe the Project you own comes with its own tonearm; I would not know.) In any case, low bass response in vinyl is very much a function of the interaction of the tonearm with the cartridge and of cartridge alignment. The most simple-minded thing to try is to lower the rear of the tonearm a tiny bit, so that the pivot point is very slightly below plane parallel with the surface of the LP, and listen again. And no, vinyl is not per se bass deficient.
Hi, yes, I should've mentioned the Sphinx does have a phono preamp, and I've read it's supposed to be quite good, but I'm wondering if something is not right/damaged. I have some rare A16 Audio Euridia "bookshelf" speakers, 89db 100w. I put bookshelf in parenthesis because while they're smallish, they're pretty high end and bass dips down low. As mentioned previously they do sound full and rich with the CD player. Something has to be wrong here, my sister's Crosley sounds better than my set up. I'm going to try some new vinyl today and see if that does something.
Just to cover the bases, I assume that you did plug the TT into the phono stage input on the preamp rather than another auxiliary input, correct? What ae your speakers?
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