No bass with new turntable?


 Hello, I've just set up a Pro-ject Carbon DC Esprit, dialed in the arm etc., and while the upper spectrum of the sound is great, there is just no bass, let's say below the 80-100hz range. It's been probably 30 years since I've fooled around with turntables so I can't remember if that's just the way it's supposed to be. Luckily I have a Velodyne SMS-1 bass management system to turn up what I'm missing, but without that I'd be completely disappointed. Using a CDP my speakers are very full of bass. I've played with the tone arm adjustments with no difference in bass really, all supplied cables hooked up and checked, the cart is an Ortofon Red, the phono preamp is integrated in the Rogue Audio Sphinx amp.
 Any suggestions/opinions?
wetfeet48

Showing 2 responses by paraneer

I love vinyl!

That being said, I would never say it sounds better than digital.  But it does sound different and 9 out of 10 times, I prefer this difference in an LP rather than its CD counterpart.  Vinyl also gives me more of an emotional connection to the music than digital does.  This connection no doubt adds to my preference as well.  And IMO, vinyl does not lack any bass but lewm is correct - the tonearm/cartridge/calibration is critical to properly hear it.  Analog vinyl requires way more involvement from the user to "get it right".  Its not a convenient format but sure is an engaging, fun hobby!

The OP's Carbon Espirit uses Pro-jects 8.5" carbon fiber arm and the factory mounted cartridge is an Ortofon 2M Red with a frequency response of 20-20Khz +/-3 db.  We know he has "dialed in the arm", but is that just VTF and anti-skate?  What about overhang?  Did someone tamper with it from its factory setting and if so, what protractor is he using to reset it?  If all of this was done correctly, then I agree with czarivey and maybe its a defective cartridge or its stylus at the end of its life and should be replaced.  And last, what kind of albums is the OP listening to?   Most original pressings of classic rock on recycled vinyl from the early 70's wouldn't sound good on a 100K TT and the finest cartridge/phone stage. 

A little more info from the OP would be helpful.  All I know, is that I have albums where the bass is absolutely amazing - fast, tight and deep!  And to my ears anyway, smokes digital copies.

Don’t know why the elephant in the room hasn’t been addressed by anyone and I don’t want to be snarky but what did you expect from that tt, you know what it cost?

And your point is?

Even a Pro-ject Carbon Espirit fitted with an Ortofon 2M Red is capable of delivering very good bass. Yes, the OP has a problem but its not the price tag!  And we are all trying to help him solve it.  If you have any technical advice to lend him, I am sure it would be appreciated.