Al...The phono stage is a SS built-in to the Rogue Perseus Magnum (4 12AU7 RCA Blackplates). I think resistance is set to 47K ohm for MM. The only settings for capacitance are
150pF and 0 PF. MM has no PF setting.
Manitunc...good question. My Classical collection ranges from 1960 to 1980 Digital masters. The analogue mastered LPs do sound better, but still too lean and sibilant. |
Al, no it's not a volume issue, so I'm sure it's set to MM (45 dB), although I will open it up when I have time end of the week to try your suggestions.
Let me describe what sound I'm getting...you know when you have a poor CDP and it has glare on the violins, it's very fatiguing. I always judge a good CDP/DAC on how it can handle solo or mass strings. This cart (or my settings) cannot. Music doesn't sound strained; it just lacks the warmth of vinyl, especially on a known recording such as Karl Bohm with the Vienna, 1970s.
1. Do u think the fact that Rock sounds good on my system is due to the distortions and heavy bass frequencies of the genre vs. the pristine sound of a classical recording?
2. Isn't the capacitance for MM so low that it basically is zero? |
Thanks for the info on Capacitance, Al and I'll try switching to opposite setting.
Phono cable is stock 3 ft. and am waiting to upgrade after I get the cart problem worked out. As far as the cable, the Linn expert who rebuilt the table (Rick at Audio Alternative) said cable is fine for now.
Plus, did not have this cart problem with my former budget Linn cart. Not a great cart musically btw. |
Thanks, Zd542, maybe it's just breakin. I'll have to hope that the alignment is correct since I carried my TT into the Rega dealer for the setup. |
Zavato, I set VTF on my Axis with a ruler and it is horizontal to platter; I was told this is correct position.
As far as my REFERENCE Classical, I'm using analogue mastered LPs from 60s and 70s...Decca, Philips, DG, and you are quite right, the digitally mastered vinyl does sound lean with very crisp highs.
Truman...Very interesting. The output specs on the Rega are 6.8 - 7.2mV. Do u know what range is a better match for my phono stage. It would be cheaper to buy a new cart rather than a phono stage upgrade.
And many thanks.
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Wolf, I appreciate your answer. Even the salesman recommended a Sumiko, even though he doesn't sell them.
But do to a vision problem, I can't see closeup to mount a cart myself, so I'm looking at B&M stores.
Question for you; do you have any experience with the Denon DL-110? (the DL-160 is discontinued). Also, the DL-110 has a compliance of 15, would that be a match for the Linn Basik LVX low mass tonearm? |
Thank you all for the replies and such valuable information.
It seems that a high output MC is what I need to match my phono stage. I think my local HiFi shop just wanted to sell me a Rega w/o asking any pertinent questions. I will be making a visit to a different dealer who carries Denon.
And the distortions in Rock music confirm why the cart sounds so different when playing classical.
Once again, I thank you.
And to Dougdeacon...very good explanation. I misunderstood the term VTA. I balanced my tonearm using downloaded instructions on how to balance a Linn tonearm. I experimented by moving the counterweight and could see the different angle of the stylus in the groove and set the tonearm balance by the best sound to my ear. |
And Al, I missed your post. Gee you have a good memory, I do have collection of Telarc on vinyl. They and Decca Digital have very good sonics. I do stay away from Digitally mastered LPs unless it's a must-own item. |
Lastly my friends, any recommendations of a HOMC cart would be appreciated. Since I blew the money on the Rega my budget would be $200-250.
And it seems that the Denon DL-160 has been discontinued. |
Thanks Al, I always appreciate your advice. That info from the manual is what I followed verbatim. Dial set to zero, moved counterweight till arm was floating, etc. It was really quite easy. Used the hex screw setting; that is when I used a ruler and a Level to adjust for horizontal position.
As far as anti-skating, I've read articles debunking the Linn and other brands' method, so I've gone to minimal settings. I'm sure the table is set up correctly.
I do plan on changing to 100pf and check settings as per your initial advice. THANKS. |
Dougdeacon, Thanks for more valuable advice...I'm familiar w/ Raul's thread and will read it.
But one question first, IYO should I be looking for a MM with low output specs? |
Many thanks, Al and in the mean time I'll check capacitance in the preamp. |
Thank you for the recap, Al. All your statements regarding my problem are accurate.
>"early on in this thread I had asked "is the harshness and thinness particularly or mainly evident on high volume peaks?" My understanding is that the answer was "no."<
CORRECT. Getting back to classical music; instruments that play in the upper registers such as string section sound harsh and thin at any volume level...pianissimo to forte. Very fatiguing and not an accurate reproduction of the instrument.
As far as output level of components; volume control on preamp is very close physically when comparing CDP input to Phono.
* Can anybody tell me Raul's Agon "handle" or a link to the MM thread and I'll get back to you soon. |
Hi, it's me again. I consulted with a very knowledgeable man at a HiFi shop. The offering of carts in the $300 range was...
Grado Reference Platinum 1 Output 5mV
Grado Gold1 Prestige Output 5mV
Ortofon Blue Output voltage 5.5 mV
Denon DL-110 HOMC Output: 1.6mV, only $139
Many negative reviews on the Grado Gold all stating a hum problem and I also ruled out the Ortofon.
The Grado Reference Platinum 1 seems to be the best of the lot, but using my Linn Axis, what are the chances of interference from it's motor? I assume that the hum happens when combining the cart with a particular design TT.
The other option is the Denon with a compliance of 15. My tonearm is low mass(don't have specs), so I don't know if they are a match.
So, is there any advice out there? |
Stevecham, I'm saying the Grado Gold hums, I decided against the Ortofon based on it's tonal qualities; I'm looking for a warm sound (the opposite of the Ortofon and the Rega).
The Sumiko was recommended to me, but they are not a dealer for that brand.
Anybody w/ Grado experiences? |
Thanks Wolf. Also your Cartridge Thread is a wealth of info that we're lucky to have in the archives. |
Oops...I confused you w. Raul |
thanks Nick, it seems like the 2m Blue is very well reviewed.
I still have a lot of research to do, but I'm thinking my Axis is above an entry level TT especially after the rebuild, so I'm not going to "cheap out" on the cart.
"Knownothing...
I am using a Grado Reference Platinum 1 on an old Thorens 150mkII and my classical records sound wonderful."
My new budget should be about $350 which is in line with this Grado. |
You are correct, Roscoeiii. The preamp is designed for it's tube linestage with a "bonus" phono section. But, yeah, the cart needs to be dealt with first. |
