2. analog
  3. 1097045961

What's Wrong With My Cartridge/Setup?

Please help this newbie sort out a problem with my cartridge, tonearm or installation.

Here's my system: Shure V15VxMR Cartridge mounted on an older Rega Planar 2 Turntable with glass platter into either an Audio Experience Concerto Tube Phono Preamp or a Conrad Johnson SC-22P SS FET Phono Preamp (in a homebrew box) into a CJ Preamp and Anthem Amp-1 tube amp. This system is new to me (most parts are used with the exception of the cartridge which was bought with 'only a few hours use' and the phono preamp (which I ran for 30 hours burn-in).

So here's the problem: My LPs sound like crap. The highs are badly attenuated, the lows are a weak and the entire sound lacks punch. The sound field is totally flat. I've compared a number of vinyl LPs to CD releases of the same material played on my Music Hall CD-25 and the CDs sound considerably better than the vinyl.

I've played with some of the mechanical parameters of the cartridge (tracking alignment, VTA, weight, anti-skating) using a test LP and a scope (as well as my ears). The changes generally have a audible effect but are small compared to the magnitude of the problem. The loading the cartridge is 'seeing' was measured to be very close to the spec of 47K ohms and 250 pF. The two phono preamps I've tried sound pretty similar, so the problem would appear to be with the cartridge/turntable/tonearm setup.

Any ideas? Could cartridge break-in account for such a major sonic impact? Is it fair to compare an LP to a CD of the same material? Help!!!

.... Brian
odourboy

Showing 2 responses by dan_ed

dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
I tend to agree with Dopoque and Herman. Something doesn't sound right based on my experience with the V15VxMR. If I understand correctly, both phono stages and the Shure are pretty new so there may be a chance that things need to break in more. The Shure can need up to 50 hrs to come in. A phono stage can take up to 250 hrs. But usually you get a very bright, flat sound until break in occurs. I would recommend taking a deep breath, slowly and carefully recheck everything, then decide if it might be worth waiting until things get a few more hours on them. There is a slight chance that there is an interconnect issue between the table and phono stages. Try swapping these out.

As for your question about comparing a CD and LP of the same material I would whole-heartedly say that it is a fair thing to do. I do it all the time. The LP usually wins but there have been cases where a remastered CD might edge out the LP.

Hang in there, you'll get it sooner or later and then you will be so glad you did.
dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
Hi Brian,

Good to hear you're making progress. Now that you have narrowed the issue, I would suggest keeping as many things constant in your system as you continue to trouble shoot. So stay with the CJ for the time being and concentrate on the table. If you are getting good bass now I think it would be well worth spending some more time adjusting VTA. You may be able to raise the bearing end and open the highs more. This may tell you if there is hope for the cartridge.

If it does turn out to be the cartridge you may be able to correct the issue with just a stylus change. Though, at ~$200 for a new V15VxMR it might be just as well to buy the whole thing.

I don't have any direct experience with the Audio Experience but there are a good many folks happy with theirs. I have heard that the guy building them is pretty responsive.
More to discover