Clearaudio Virtuoso Wood


I have about ten hours on the cartridge, which is connected to the VPI Scout and JMW 9 tonearm. Just changed from Dynavector 10x4. The Clearaudio sounds a little harsh, especially on vocals. Midrange seems to be lacking a certain sweetness that I know is on some of the albums I am playing (e.g., CSN). Played around with the VTA and didn't help as much as I would like. Any suggestions, or should I just expect improvement as cartridge breaks in?
bnrlaw

Showing 2 responses by 4yanx

First, give it another 40 hours or so more before making judgement after confirming that your setup is as spot on as posible. Then, you may still have some issues with "harshness" if I am understanding the term corectly. I would say "brightness" which is what I heard when listening to the same cartridge along with an "uninvolving" midrange. But, as always, your system and ears are different.
Bnrlaw - I will have to qualify my statement by saying that I auditioned that cartridge at a dealer, who happens to also be a friend. The cart was fully broken in and mounted on a Clearaudio table. It was the consensus of a few of us that it was a tad on the bright side and less involving in the midrange than some other carts.

I would guess that, yes, it will change in sound over the next few dozen hours. Judge then, it may sound better in your setup.