two problems with turntable


First time poster here. First of all, thanks to the group for providing some insight as to problem solving as well as your experiences with various brands of audio gear. This sight, has been very informative over the years as well as entertaining at times.

My system:
TT-Acoustic Solid, White,(no longer in production but similar to other Acoustic Solid models), WTB 370 arm made by REGA, Ortofon Quintet, Red. This TT isn't common in US as they mainly sell in Europe, Asia and Canada
Gold Note PH 10
Innuos Zen MK3
Bryston BP17 cubed with DAC
Bryston 4B cubed
Vandersteen TREO CT
Vandersteen Sub 3 (2)
Cables IC-Audioquest Yukon, Speaker-Cardas, Power-Audioquest NRG Y3
Room treatments-GIK and Acoustimass panels

This system was put together over the past few years. All components worked perfectly very well until recently. About five months ago I broke the red lead wire on the tonearm which is the right side (+) and after the wire was replaced and sent back by a reputable dealer, I notice the left channel plays about 5-10 db lower than right channel. The dealer says that if I bring the entire TT back to the store, they will analyze completely but they're over an hour away. This problem only occurs with TT playback and not digital playback and has been this way about two months. The other issue I have is with anti skate. The recommended VTF is 2.1 to 2.5 and it's currently set at 2.28. The optimum setting I have found for anti skate is just above zero which seems odd because most set ups call for anti skate to be set similar with VTF. VTA and Azimuth settings appear to be spot on and the right channel plays perfect. Cartridge alignment was set up properly with the protractor provided. The Gold Note has two inputs and I've tried both inputs  with the same results. 

This forum has some extremely experienced and sharp minds and I hope that one or more of you can help me solve this issue.

Thanks,

George



george4471

Showing 2 responses by millercarbon

The lead idea was logical seeing as how it happened. Think of the odds, the phono stage goes out right when the cartridge pin is changed. Switching the leads the signal did not follow the lead so it can't be that. Has to be either the phono stage or the interconnect from the phono stage to the amp. Or the RCA input on the amp. Always fun when something coincidentally goes wrong at the time something else is changed.
Probably they replaced the broken clip with a new one and between the new clip and moving it on and off this connection is better now and this could be what accounts for your other channel being down in level. You can try removing the clip, cleaning with alcohol, and replace. If it slides on and off easily you might want to tighten. Place a round toothpick in the clip to avoid crushing and tighten cautiously. This is the most likely fix given what happened.  

Anti-skate is always set the way you did, by ear. I could write a book but all you really need to know is if it sounds right, it is right.