How long for cartridge break-in?


I have Dynavector 10x on a Rega P25 table with acrylic platter and upgraded bearings and have meticulously aligned the cartridge, adjusted VTA, using a Herbies TT mat and TT Weights center weight, etc.

However, my BCD1 CDP still sounds significantly better in terms of imaging, focus and bass impact.
I was expecting more from the TT. I have only 25 hours on the cartridge and I'm hoping more hours will refine the sound. Both the TT and CDP are being run through a McIntosh C2200 preamp.
Any recommendations, observations, reassurances?
Thanks.
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Showing 1 response by chayro

I would also experiment with the mat. I found the Herbies mat to work incredbly well on one table, but not sound as good as a stock felt mat on another. Also, I would give yourself some time to adjust to what analog does better than digital. You are used to listening to a very good CD player and it does a lot of things well.

Finally, I have found listening to be less enjoyable when I mix analog and digital. Try just sitting down quietly and listening to a record, rather than going back and forth to compare. That is really tiresome stuff.