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Odd problem with TT setup...

I’ve got an SME 30/2 TT with the Gold V tonearm. Recently, I’ve noticed on a few albums with particularly punchy kick drum passages (The Police Zenyatta, Talking Heads Slippery People particularly) that on occasion I hear a distinct “pop” as if overdriven during these notes. But not every time in the song, nor on every song.. The odd thing is, it doesn’t matter what I change... my typical cart is an Atlas, but it has also done it with other carts, namely a Sumiko Blue #2 MM. Capacitance settings don’t change the problem, I’ve tried cable swaps on both ends, different phono stages, gain settings, loads etc. it happens in any channel on my Hegel regardless of volume, it happens if I run straight into my head phone amp with headphones. The ONLY constant here is the tonearm. All of the setup parameters are spot on, I’ve tried a variety of VTA settings, antiskate you name it. Is it possible the internal wiring of the tonearm can have a problem? Overall the sound is excellent, great soundstage, overall presentation etc. with the exception of this one issue. Any ideas?
geof3

Showing 1 response by mijostyn

mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,164 posts
 
First, are you absolutely sure it happens in conjunction with sharp transients like kick drums. Does it occur with anything else.
The Atlas should be ok in that arm but I would like to see at least 2 grams added to the headshell. I think, but I am not sure that the Atlas is nowhere stiff enough to get the resonance point that high. But ruling that out is easy. Just for fun add 2-3 grams to your head shell and sell what happens. Soundsmith makes a set of variable mass screws. 
But assuming that is not it, and please do not make assumptions, You have condensed it down the the arm. That table is perfect for a Kuzma 4 Point. The Atlas loves the 4 Point.
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