Another item you can add to the headshell, one proving damping as well as mass, is the little lead weight sold at fishing supply shops. It is a thin rectangle about 1/2" X 3/4" X 1/8" (thick), with double-sided tape on one side. Just attach it via the tape to the top of your headshell, or maybe even between the bottom of the headshell and the cartridge.
VPI Traveler - nickel on the headshell worked wonders!
Hi everyone,
I've been trying to get my VPI Traveler dialed in for a few weeks now. It sounds ok, but I was getting quite a bit of sibilance and distortion on highly modulated passages. I tried both a Grado Reference Sonata 1 and a Dynavector 10x5 (the Dynavector had been recommended in a couple of different reviews/articles). I tried different phono amps, different speakers, different cables, even different racks, and there was still something that seemed off. I figured I probably had something misaligned, being a relatively new to vinyl.
After searching the forums I saw the recommendation of putting a nickel on the headshell. Even though I assumed my cartridge/arm match was fairly good, I gave it a shot. HOLY S--T! The sound became full and rich. The highs were controlled and extended. Sibilance sounded natural and in control. Clearly, I needed more mass on the tonearm.
I wouldn't have expected this much improvement if had upgraded several components. I was thinking that the sound I was getting was just what a $1500 turntable sounded like, and I was searching the adds for an upgrade. Now, I think I can rest easy with the cheapest tweak I've ever tried. Nice when things take a big step in the right direction. I thought my experience might help others in a similar situation.
Happy listening!
Scott
I've been trying to get my VPI Traveler dialed in for a few weeks now. It sounds ok, but I was getting quite a bit of sibilance and distortion on highly modulated passages. I tried both a Grado Reference Sonata 1 and a Dynavector 10x5 (the Dynavector had been recommended in a couple of different reviews/articles). I tried different phono amps, different speakers, different cables, even different racks, and there was still something that seemed off. I figured I probably had something misaligned, being a relatively new to vinyl.
After searching the forums I saw the recommendation of putting a nickel on the headshell. Even though I assumed my cartridge/arm match was fairly good, I gave it a shot. HOLY S--T! The sound became full and rich. The highs were controlled and extended. Sibilance sounded natural and in control. Clearly, I needed more mass on the tonearm.
I wouldn't have expected this much improvement if had upgraded several components. I was thinking that the sound I was getting was just what a $1500 turntable sounded like, and I was searching the adds for an upgrade. Now, I think I can rest easy with the cheapest tweak I've ever tried. Nice when things take a big step in the right direction. I thought my experience might help others in a similar situation.
Happy listening!
Scott