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VPI, Graham, Koetsu advice please

Hopefully there are some experienced agoners out there that can help me figure this out. I use a Well Tempered Amadeus/ Lyra Kleos / Bob's devices step up / Lamm Lp2 - that finally, after many years, betters my modest digital side (Bob's Devices step up did the trick).

Through an unfortunate event, I now also have a VPI TNT 3.5 with Graham 2.2 arm and Koetsu Rosewood Signature and SDS. I set this all up last night and the VPI is dead silent compared with the well tempered's v low yet audible rumble between tracks. But, compared to the Amadeus/Lyra on actual music tracks, the VPI is comes across veiled, a bit congested, plodding, with no bass and no sparkle. And, please know overall I lean towards that tube sound (SET 211, etc).

Both are running thru Bob's SUT and then into a Lamm LP2. The only other difference is the Kimber TAK-H IC between the Amadeus and Bob's vs the hard wired Hovland IC from the Graham to Bob's.

What's going on here? I expected the TNT beast and lush Koetsu to destroy the Amadeus/Lyra. What would be your expectations? Before I move the Lyra onto the VPI, I thought I'd ask you all for suggestions. Thank you
poonbean

Showing 4 responses by bpoletti

bpoletti
1,525 posts
 
It could be a mismatch between the SUT and the Koetsu.
bpoletti
1,525 posts
 
Poonbean, if you're just having no end of problems with the Koetsu, I'd take it off your hands.

All kidding aside, I could test it in a similar but different rig. Original Aries (Extended) with JMW-12, but into a Herron VTPH-2. No SUT. I am VERY familiar with the characteristics of a Koetsu and could check to see if there are performance problems.
bpoletti
1,525 posts
 
M - My opinion is 180 degrees opposite yours. That's why both our comments are opinions.

I still think the difference is a mismatch of the cart-to-SUT. That is a critical link and varies greatly with cartridges and SUTs. If that matching is not spot-on (loading of both cart and SUT, and sonic footprints of both), then the sound will suffer as described by the op. Not the small amount that a VPI betters a Well Tempered ( ;) )
bpoletti
1,525 posts
 
Larryi - that's a good point. The two carts are pretty much on the opposite ends of the listening preference scale. A Koetsu will never sound like a Lyra unless both are parked on the arm rest.
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