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tracking distortion on a p5 + rega cartridge?

Recently purchased a P5 and Super Elys cart... with most of my records (new, vacuum-cleaned) I get frequent distortion/pops/crackling in the right channel. Left channel is fine. I need to fix this ASAP.

Is this tracking distortion? I thoughts that with rega's 3-hole mounting I didn't need to worry about alignment when using rega cartridges.

Please tell me the best way to go about solving this problem. Thanks ;)
allyourbetas

Showing 11 responses by allyourbetas

allyourbetas OP
14 posts
 
here is a 10 sec sample of the problem:

http://www2.skwire.net/~AYB/edna/excerpt.mp3
allyourbetas OP
14 posts
 
"Your bass sounds possibly too fat and your cymbals possibly dull."

Actually, that is how the music should sound for that particular passage (a fat synth line and dull kickdrum). I'm not concerned with the highs/lows, it's the distortion in the right channel I'm worried about...
allyourbetas OP
14 posts
 
These records are vacuum-cleaned before any playing, as is the stylus.

I guess I should try the Baerwald aligment instead of using the stock rega template. I just have a hard time imagining that this distortion is normal when the cart is aligned according to the manufacturers specs.

Oh, I should also mention that the distortion is far more active when playing the outer edges (beginning) of a record.
allyourbetas OP
14 posts
 
Well, I ordered some new gear from needledoctor to help me fix my prob.

-Rega Exact Cartridge
-Geo Disc (uses Baerwald alignment)
-Onzow Zerodust stylus cleaner & some Caig ProGold contact cleaner

If this doesn't solve it, I give up.
allyourbetas OP
14 posts
 
As far as record cleaning... I give em a go with Orbitrac 2 (to get alot of the initial grime/dust/debris off), followed by a thorough clean with the Nitty Gritty 1.5fi. Then a quick spray with compressed air before playing.

I can't imagine vinyl getting any cleaner than that...
allyourbetas OP
14 posts
 
Well, just tried the Baerwald alignment with my existing setup... exact same prob. Distortion in the right channel. Adjusting the antiskate doesnt help either.

Guess I'll wait for my new cartridge to arrive.

BTW, is it safe to use Caig ProGold contact cleaner on both the headshell and tonearm leads (or whatever you call the wires that connect the arm to the cartridge)? Just want to make sure...
allyourbetas OP
14 posts
 
sigh...

well, installed a brand new Exact cart, aligned with geodisc (baerwald and cleaned the tonearm leads with caig progold.

Right channel distortion remains.

???
allyourbetas OP
14 posts
 
Swapped over to another phono; the prob remains.

Going to bring my p5 over to Brooks Berdan in Monrovia and have him diagnose/configure/repair/etc.
allyourbetas OP
14 posts
 
"Short of a defective cartridge or tonearm wires I can't think what the problem could be."

Definitely will. Going to see Brooks Berdan (tt technician) on Sat.

Has to be the tonearm or leads thats causing this (I'm hoping it's the latter)... 2 different, brand new rega carts yield the same prob.
allyourbetas OP
14 posts
 
well...

Seems that my P5 came from the factory with a damaged tonearm... was not level. The TT itself was fine, as was the cart; somewhere between the arm/table mount and the pivot point it was tweaked enough to make the cart tilt down on the right side.

Currently dealing with warranty stuff to get it replaced. What a PITA.
allyourbetas OP
14 posts
 
Rega replaced the arm with no questions... everything sounds lovely now :)
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