sporadic distortion in low end?


I have pretty cheap-o vinyl setup with a Music Hall MMF-2 and a Benz Micro MC20E2, and admittedly, don't know too much about this sort of stuff, but have been having a problem for months that I am just now getting around to dealing with.

On a few records of mine I am having problems with low-end distortion. The particular recordings I am having problems with have a really open kick drum, that when coupled with certain notes in the bass line produce a distortion so severe, it can skip the record. I can counteract this increasing the tracking force, but even when I get beyond what seems like a comfortable weight, it still distors, but doesn't skip. I don't have a stylus force gauge and set up the cartridge myself (although I had help and feel pretty confident that it is aligned properly).

Problem is that it is really sporadic. I have only noticed this on two different records (both by the same artist and pressed at the same plant), which almost leads me to believe that it could be a pressing flaw, but I feel like other people I know with the same record would have this problem (which they don't), and I don't remember having this problem when I had a basic technics/Audio Tecnica setup for records. And, most everything else I listen to sounds really good.

Any ideas? Maybe my cart is messed up? maybe I just need to get someone to professionally set up the cartridge? maybe the size of the cart screws up the VTA too much?

pablo
pablodeocampo

Showing 2 responses by sol322

Pablo:
IF it is a record flaw (it seems more a vibration issue /setup from your post) repeat the same passage with your former lightier tracking force but do it with the volume all the way down. If skip persists is a disc or arm setup problem. If problem is absent need to take a look at where and how your TT is setup.
What attracts my attention is on loud kick drum passages. Describe your TT setup specially rack and floor in your room (wood by any chance?) have you tried moving the TT to another place where maybe bass reinforcing in your room could not be a factor?
Pablo:

Your experience with the headphones points definitely to Raul's suggestion (right on the money!). Keep us updated on your progress.
Regards
Luis