2. analog
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No deep bass or highs: VTF or VTA issue?

Background:

I've been using JM Lab Micro Utopia monitors and recently added a sub (via Bryston outboard crossover). Used my music server to dial in the sub (for convenience) and after dialing it in I noticed that my analog rig is not sounding anywhere as good as my digital.

I tried comparing a few LPs to their digital counterparts and in comparison the LPs sounded dark and sluggish.

Relevant equipment:

Analog:
- Dynavector XV-1s
- Scoutmaster / JMW 9 Signature / SDS / Super platter etc
- Aesthetix Rhea Signature with NOS tubes

Digital:
Music server -> Benchmark DAC

I used a Mint tractor to align the cartridge, and the VTF on the XV-1s is around 2.0g. I had never done anything about VTA, so I tried raising it. It got somewhat brighter, but now in comparison it lacks deep bass AND the highs of the digital version. Switching back and forth it's like the vinyl is just midrange (that's an exaggeration to illustrate my point).

I also have a Manley Steelhead phono stage; I should probably swap that with the Rhea to make sure the phono stage isn't the culprit but my gut tells me that it's the setup.

Any advice on what adjustments to try would be much appreciated.

Thanks.
madfloyd

Showing 2 responses by almarg

almarg's avatar
almarg
9,670 posts
 
I looked at the specs on your cartridge, and with an inductance of only 18 microHenries it's performance should be pretty much independent of loading. The specs I was looking at (at the AudioCubesII site) simply recommend a load resistance of greater than 30 ohms, with no further specification. Capacitance shouldn't matter either.

So assuming your geometries are reasonably correct I'd definitely try it with the other phono stage.

Regards,
-- Al
almarg's avatar
almarg
9,670 posts
 
Ian -- My understanding is that the Mint Tractor is customized based on the exact pivot-to-spindle distance of the particular arm. Are you certain that the mounting hole for the arm is drilled in exactly the right place on the armboard, and that the pivot-to-spindle distance that the Mint was customized to corresponds to the actual distance?

Also, I would expect that the effects of geometry-related problems would vary depending on what part of the record is being played. Do you notice any such variation, or are the character and magnitude of the symptoms consistent throughout the record?

Regards,
-- Al
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