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Ortofon MC A90 Cartridge VTF

I just spent the weekend at mikelavigne's where we did a comparison with three turntables all using the same Ortofon MC A90 cartridges. We had the cartridges setup at the recommended VTF and they did not all have the same amount of break-in time on them. I decided to see what would happen when we lightened the cartridges up.

We started on the first table and the weight was about 2.25. We lessened the weight until I thought that the sound really locked in. By the time we were done on the first turntable, the VTF was at around 1.56. When we did the second table we got the weight all the way down to 1.92. On the third table it ended up best at about 2.01.

All parties (myself, Mike and Steve) agreed that lightening up the carts really opened things up quite a bit without loss of bass. The inner detail and delicacy inreased as did speed and dynamics.

I called Ortofon and am awaiting a response but I was wondering if those of you who own this cartridge have gone outside the recommended range and if you could share your experiences.

There is more to read about this if you want under mikelavigne's system thread.
jtinn
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dlanselm
111 posts
 
For the first month with my A90 I was tracking at 2.27 on my Reed Tonearm, now I have settled at 2.18.

Just for the heck of it yesterday I listened to a track at 1.55 it was actually better than I thought it would be, however, I found it not the right match for my system.

Also, at a listening session at my friends on a VPI table and arm we settled at 2.18 with the A90 in his system as well after trying several different setting.

It would be interesting to know if you switched the carts to the alternate tables in Mike's system to see if you consistently chose the same settings. Without knowing this is it hard to look to the cart just yet. I actually suspect it is "voice" of each table really causing these vast differences in desired VTF. However as we all know the sound is all that really matters.


David
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Dlanselm, it used to be that you tracked as lightly as you could without mistracking. Are you suggesting that you seek some sonic perfection? I guess I read the earlier posts to suggest what was the lowest VTF without mistracking. Perhaps I am wrong?
lyniv
4 posts
 
Whenever you change the vtf, you are altering the vta, which DOES make a significant sonic change!! That most likely is what we are are all hearing!
jtinn OP
1,124 posts
 
"It will be interesting if Mike keeps his 1.5gm long term on his Garrard, as sometimes what can seem like an improvement in the short term is not as sucessful long term."

Downunder: I think he probably will. There were three of us there and it was fairly evident that this was the best setting. Maybe if the cartridge continues to change he might tweek it a bit more, but I think it was spot on.

I never agreed with HP's assessment in my system. I had the XV-1S much lighter than 2.6. I even think that might be enough VTF to eventually damage the suspension on that cart.

David: No we did not switch the cartridges between the tables. Three tables and three cartridges is quite a bit of work as it is. :)

Tbg: That really was not what we were looking for, it was simply the best sound we could get.
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Jtinn, but going lower was stopped by mistracking, right? With a sharp radius stylus, I suspect that Lyniv is right, you are changing the VTA when you change the tracking weight. Perhaps very slightly lowering the VTA would yield the same results. Going to a thicker record would do the same thing.
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