Rodman, Sorry I thought you were asking about the VTA, so my confusion came through. The VTF is 1.5 which is what Ortofon recommends for the 2M Black, but should I try heavier or lighter?? |
good input from everyone, thanks. for the record, I have a Rega P5 with an ortofon 2M black cartridge, not yet broken in (about 25hours on it) all fed through a Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum int amp with MM onboard phono pre amp. I will check the cart compliance to arm weight and post as I have no idea what is ideal. Was told by Music Direct, that the 2M black was a great cart for the RB 700 arm, but no detials regarding compliance. |
Interesting update to this...........I have taken my copy to 2 different audio systems and heard it on both, one to a lesser degree, but it was heard by myself and the other listeners.....very strange?? Possible bad pressing? I have no idea due to my lack of experience, but as an experiment, I am purchasing another copy of Dead Can Dance (I know it's silly) just to see if it's audible on the new copy as well. |
Abchand, that is the very same issue I was hearing..........specifically in the left channel. I am waiting for my new copy to arrive and will post when I have an update. |
Sorry for the very late response here........we moved and my new pressing is on its way. I will update shortly |
But what is odd is that I hear the same distortion on an intirely different system at my dealer with this pressing as well. Could both carts be mistracking?? What are the odds? |
I have no idea. The arm is relatively parallel, with maybe a 2 degree tip forward at the most. |
Well now I have 2 copies of this record and I still have the same isssue in the same spot on both records and have checked this on a third table/system. I also checked with the closest Rega dealer and with my cart (Ortofon 2M Black) I should have 3ea shims under the RM700 arm, which I do and that is the optimal VTA for that arm and that cartridge. I also checked the alignment again, and all is nearly perfect. I am at a loss here! |
I have tried 2 different systems with 2 different phono preamps. Not sure that is the problem, but I do appreciate the feedback. |
I talked at length to the guys at Needle Doctor and Accoustic Sounds and both agreed it's an allignment issue. I'm only using a one point allignment that came with the Rega, which is minimal. Any thoughts on some inexpensive two point allignment protractors?? How about the Wally Tractor??? |
I do have a CD copy and the distortion does not exist there, only on the analog LP. However, with that said, it appears on 3 different systems. I can adjust VTA with the Rega provided shims, but it fixed at 2mm per shim. I tried one, now I have 2 which raises the tonearm 4mm from the plinth. I have a pretty good magnifying lense that I use to visually look at the stylus and the rake angle seems to be tipped very slightly forward, not by much though. I've read where this is optimal for the 2M Black. The allignment is as perfect as I can achieve with both the Rega supplied protractor and the Geodisc I purchased.
I know I a being fanatical about this as this is the ONLY record in my entire collecion that has this issue, but it's driving me nuts. And I should clarify, it's very minimal, but audible enough to where I hear it and want to figure this out.
I really appreciate all the helpfull tips and welcome any additional tips.
I'm not giving up on this one! |
Update, I talked to Chad at Acoustic Sounds and he assured me it was a tracking issue due to the shibata stylus on the 2M Black.......BUMMER! According to Chad that stylus is so picky about tracking that it's nearly impossible to get it perfect on a Rega Arm without going insane. I do have a Rega Exact for a steal I am going to pick up and give it a shot just to prove to myself he is correct or not. I also have access to a Graham Slee Era gold V that I will be "borrowing" from a freind.
I will post my results by tomorow. Wish me luck!!!! |
Alright guys and gals, I installed a new Rega Exact cart which has the 3 point allignment that locks you into a nearly perfect tracking angle and I still hear the same ever so slight distortion in the left channel only. Again, only on the parts of the song where Lisa really belts out a lyric. And I tried it with a Graham Slee Era Gold phono preamp, same situaion.
Could the vinyl be damaged due to mistracking with a shibata stylus on the 2M black??
I'm at a total loss. |
Inna, why so harsh? I understand your point, and I am simply trying to ensure I don't have an issue with my table or equipment. Idle tinkering is all, so relax dude, it is simply a question.
Decibell, I spoke to the guys again at Music Direct and finally they admitted they have received several calls regarding this issue. They offered me a new copy but I declined since I already have 2 copies and am willing to accept the fact that it's in the pressing. Why is shows up in some systems and not in others is a mystery. Oh well, I'm moving on and enjoying the other 999 records I have in my catalog.
Peace |
I agree, I found one on auction for $100.00 from Holland.........yikes that's a pretty penny. Thanks again to all and happy listening. |
