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Tracking issue with dynavector 20XL

I recently purchased a Dynavector 20XL for my VPI Scout. I have been setting it up for the last couple of hours and I THINK I have it right but when I put it through the Bias Setting 300hz (track 8) on the Hi-Fi News test LP it squeals like a pig!!!The only way I can stop this is by increasing the sylus force to 2.5+ grams which I know exceeds the manufacturers recommended weight of 1.8- 2.2grams. I love the sound I am getting from the cartridge and everything I read here and on Vinyl asylum about this cart being a great match for the Scout appears to be true. I am noticing subtle differences on my copy of THE WELL that are very positive. How much weight(pardon the pun) should I put on cartridge not passing the track 8 test? I previously used a Grado Gold, Goldring Eroica ,and Denon DL103. All three passed the 8 track test with no problem.
flyfisher

Showing 3 responses by dodgealum

dodgealum
1,398 posts
 
VPI suggests tracking that cartridge above the manufacturers figure. I can't find my notes but I believe I'm tracking my 20XM at around 2.375 (on a Scout). Call Mike at VPI and he will give you guidance. BTW, once you get it set up at the higher tracking force run the bias test again--you will probably get the same result. I tried everything including the anti-skate kit from VPI to resolve this to no avail. I'm not sure how much it matters, the table sounds great to me!
dodgealum
1,398 posts
 
Doug:

This is very interesting since I spent considerable time trying (in vain) to "pass" each successively tougher test, primarily by playing with the anti-skate adjustment. This I did first by twisting and untwisting the tonearm lead (as per the original Scout manual) and then later by adjusting the weight on the anti-skate kit provided as an upgrade by VPI. (At one point I was playing with both the lead wire AND the weight, trying to get just the right combination of forces to counteract the mistracking I heard on tracks 7-9. I don't feel too stupid since I agree with you--the directions seem to lead one to try and eliminate the buzz through proper adjustment of the anti-skate bias. I'll now have to go back and try again with your approach. Let me make sure I have this correct--the idea in using the test record is to try to get the buzzing the same in both channels--correct? I think that is about what I have right now, which would explain why I am getting good sound despite all the buzzin goin on.

Let me ask you a question--given the misdirections how did you figure out the answer?

Thanks
Mark
dodgealum
1,398 posts
 
"P.S. An easy way to make tiny, repeatable VTF adjustments on arms that lack a fine adjustment is to slip a few O-rings onto or off of the end stub".

I wish I'd thought of that--adjusting VTF with the Scout is nearly impossible. The slightest movement of the counterweight, even to adjust azmiuth (sp?) changes the downforce radically. I'll try the O-Rings and now see a reason to invest in a digital guage.

Thanks for your help
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