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Lyra Kleos: tracking force/VTA/azimuth questions

I just bought a Lyra Kleos and I'm mounting it on a VPI JMW 12.7 (HRX turntable). I've done a bit of research, including Jonathan Carr's many posts here), so I know VTF is critical. I've done a trial set up to Lyra specs, and it doesn't sound right - piano in particular is distorted as if the cartridge is approaching break-up. I suspect the way I've set VTF. VPI recommends measuring VTF at the level of the record, which is impossible with the electronic scale I currently use - I simply put it on the platter and took readings, after first calibrating the scale, of course, and left it at 1.75 g. VPI says that simply measuring tracking force that way will under-represent actual VTF at the level of the record by a substantial amount because of the height of the gauge over the platter. Could that be the source of the problem I'm hearing? With other carts, I've done a couple of tests that seem to verify VPI's advice, so I plan to carefully measure the plinth to platter-top height, remove the platter, and build a temporary platform lower by exactly the thickness of the scale's pan. I'll put the scale on that, and then set VTF to Lyra's specs. This will result in VTF at the level of the record measuring correctly, when I put the scale on the mock-up platter, but NOT when I just slap the scale on the platter - it will measure higher. So my question is: does anyone see any potential problems flowing from my use of this process? I plan first to set VTA slightly tail high to approximate the magic 92 degrees SRA that seems to be the consensus of opinion these days.

Also, I'd like a bit of advice on using a fozgometer to measure azimuth. In my trial set up, I've never been able to get exactly the same readings left vs. right channel with the Foz; the best is a two-division difference, right higher in level than the left. I also get a one division reading, rather than zero, on the channel balance test, with both channel lights very faintly lit. Could this be a function of insufficient tracking force, or is there something else at play?

Thanks to any and all who might feel the spirit to respond (hopefully including you, Mr. Carr).
zachteich
banpuku
14 posts
 
Hi Glai and hopefully (JCarr),

I have a Kleos and would like some help with the azimuth. I too use a fozgometer and my Kleos is registering 22db seperation in both channels. That is the highest it will go. I am fairly sure that the azimuth is near spot on, as I can see the stylus (using a 200x microscope) sitting perpendicular to the record surface. I use the fozgometer to fine tune the azimuth, then use my ear to fine fine (that would be double fine) tune the azimuth. So, I wonder why am I getting only 22db of seperation vs. your 30db.

Regarding anti-skate, I wholey subscribe to using your ear to set anti-skate. The correct anti-skate can make a world of difference. The technique described by Glai is correct. Try to use a record with choral music that spans full left to right. The voices in both channels must be equally vibrant with proper hall/room acoustics (reverb) in both channels.

Please let me know your thoughts on the azimuth question.

Pat
radioheadokplayer
181 posts
 
I run my Lenco idler wheel with a lyra kleos and origin live illustrious arm with no antiskate and sounds great and no skipping. The illustrious has a
Weird antiskate so did not set it up.

I recently upgraded the platter and now my spindle
can handle a record clamp so ordering a Michell clamp.
Perhaps use of a clamp also helps with mis-tracking albeit
not hearing any.
radioheadokplayer
181 posts
 
I emailed customer service for Lyra USA: below is response

Dear Michael,

Bottom line is whichever way sounds best to you, that's the way it should be.  As for anti-skate, it's there to counteract the force of the arm being dragged towards the middle of the record and to compensate for the stylus "hugging" the right hand groove wall.  If you're sitting in the sweet spot and whatever information (such as vocals, usually) that's supposed to be in the center of the image is in the center of the image, then everything's fine.  Leave it as is.  If it sounds as though the balance control has been tweaked ever so slightly towards the right speaker, then maybe a touch of anti-skate is required.

Best regards,

Alasdair Patrick - Customer Service
glai's avatar
glai
446 posts
 
Banpuku-

22db channel separation is quite compromised. I would check the following.

1. Alignment: Poor alignment would reduce channel separation due to suboptimal contact betw stylus and groove. If you have the template, try different curves; stevenson, lofgren, baerwald and see if any improvement.

2. Avoid using a warped test record.

3. Use the proper equation: 20 * log v1/v2

All my lyras have >30db in ch. sep..

G.
banpuku
14 posts
 
Glai,

Thanks for the advice. I re-did the overhang and zenith adjustments. They were out of alignment. This improved the Azimuth from 22db to 25db. 3db improvement is noteworthy.

I will continue to adjust to maximize performance. That said, I am getting wonderful sound as it is out of the Kleos. I actually like this cartridge better than the original Titan I used to have.

Pat
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