2. analog
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Why one side is very much louder than the other si

I have newly setup my VPI HW-19 MK III with SME V arm and Benz Micro cartridge using Musical Fidelity X-LPS as Phono stage. My other system is:

Power AMP: Pass Lab x-600
Pre AMP: Pass Lab X 0.2
Transport: SONY SCD-1
Speaker: Goldmund Apologue
Power Cable: NBS Professional
Interconnect: Transport to Pre-amp : AudioQuest Sky
Pre-Amp to Power Amp : Synergistic Research Designer Reference
Speakerr Cable: AudioQuest Dragon

As you aware, I have been switch from Vinyl to Digital for last 25 years. This is first time after all these years to try on vinyl again. Unfortunately, the first result is not successful. When play the vinyl record, one side of the speaker is sounding normal, while the other side of the speak is hardly able to hear. When I exchange the interconnect from Turntable to phono ie. swap left to right, the result is reversed. Can anyone able to help me how to solve this problem. Kind regards

LOU
clwong

Showing 4 responses by dougdeacon

dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
It certainly sounds like a poor cartridge/wire connection.

Try polishing the cartridge pins with a piece of Mr. Clean Magic Eraser (the white side, not the blue.) You could also try a Q-tip dampened with contact cleaner or alchohol, but take great care not to get any solvents near the suspension of the cartridge.

To make sure your cartridge clips make good contact, slip a wooden toothpick inside each one and squeeze GENTLY with a needlenose or forceps. (The toothpick prevents squeezing the clip too much and flattening it out.)
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
LOU,

I understand your frustration and you are quite correct. Getting the most from today's higher quality vinyl rigs is much more complex than it was when we all played MM cartridges.

We would all understand if it seems like too much bother. For many (most) people it is. Just one last question if I may:

Which model Benz cartridge are you using? It may or may not be a good match for the Musical Fidelity X-LPS.
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
LOU,

The top/front surface of your Benz may have one of the following codes printed on it: L2, M2 or H2. Which code does yours have? This makes a big difference in phono stage matching.

Doug
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
They must have done more than just retip the cartridge, they must have done a major rebuild. Who knows what they changed?

I do not understand your friend's cartrdidge data (.53mv sensitivity). Cartridges do not have "sensitivity" in the way that term is normally used.

Unless your friend can provide more information I'm not sure anyone will be able to advise you about using this cartridge.
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