2. analog
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No deep bass or highs: VTF or VTA issue?

Background:

I've been using JM Lab Micro Utopia monitors and recently added a sub (via Bryston outboard crossover). Used my music server to dial in the sub (for convenience) and after dialing it in I noticed that my analog rig is not sounding anywhere as good as my digital.

I tried comparing a few LPs to their digital counterparts and in comparison the LPs sounded dark and sluggish.

Relevant equipment:

Analog:
- Dynavector XV-1s
- Scoutmaster / JMW 9 Signature / SDS / Super platter etc
- Aesthetix Rhea Signature with NOS tubes

Digital:
Music server -> Benchmark DAC

I used a Mint tractor to align the cartridge, and the VTF on the XV-1s is around 2.0g. I had never done anything about VTA, so I tried raising it. It got somewhat brighter, but now in comparison it lacks deep bass AND the highs of the digital version. Switching back and forth it's like the vinyl is just midrange (that's an exaggeration to illustrate my point).

I also have a Manley Steelhead phono stage; I should probably swap that with the Rhea to make sure the phono stage isn't the culprit but my gut tells me that it's the setup.

Any advice on what adjustments to try would be much appreciated.

Thanks.
madfloyd

Showing 2 responses by rushton

rushton's avatar
rushton
2,445 posts
 
Two thoughts:

First: Check the cartridge loading in your phonostage to make sure you're starting within the cartridge manufacturer's loading range recommendations. With the Rhea, this is certainly easy to play with.

Second: Follow Lloyd Walker's finetuning instructions for adjusting your VTF/VTA:
http://www.walkeraudio.com/fine_tuning_your_turntable.htm

Keep in mind that all of the above are interactive.
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rushton's avatar
rushton
2,445 posts
 
FWIW, I've listened to the Dynavector XV-1s through a Rhea in a friend's system. No trouble with deep bass in his setup. The sound of the XV-1s is somewhat dark to my ears, though, in the three different systems where I've heard it.
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