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Ortofon MC A90 Cartridge VTF

I just spent the weekend at mikelavigne's where we did a comparison with three turntables all using the same Ortofon MC A90 cartridges. We had the cartridges setup at the recommended VTF and they did not all have the same amount of break-in time on them. I decided to see what would happen when we lightened the cartridges up.

We started on the first table and the weight was about 2.25. We lessened the weight until I thought that the sound really locked in. By the time we were done on the first turntable, the VTF was at around 1.56. When we did the second table we got the weight all the way down to 1.92. On the third table it ended up best at about 2.01.

All parties (myself, Mike and Steve) agreed that lightening up the carts really opened things up quite a bit without loss of bass. The inner detail and delicacy inreased as did speed and dynamics.

I called Ortofon and am awaiting a response but I was wondering if those of you who own this cartridge have gone outside the recommended range and if you could share your experiences.

There is more to read about this if you want under mikelavigne's system thread.
jtinn

Showing 1 response by dlanselm

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dlanselm
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For the first month with my A90 I was tracking at 2.27 on my Reed Tonearm, now I have settled at 2.18.

Just for the heck of it yesterday I listened to a track at 1.55 it was actually better than I thought it would be, however, I found it not the right match for my system.

Also, at a listening session at my friends on a VPI table and arm we settled at 2.18 with the A90 in his system as well after trying several different setting.

It would be interesting to know if you switched the carts to the alternate tables in Mike's system to see if you consistently chose the same settings. Without knowing this is it hard to look to the cart just yet. I actually suspect it is "voice" of each table really causing these vast differences in desired VTF. However as we all know the sound is all that really matters.


David
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