What happened?


I recently added new speakers, (Kharma 3.2's) to my system, and for the last 3 weeks have been in audio heaven. Whatever I played, either LP or CD sounded great. I found myself listening to things that I haven't played in years. This weekend, I sat down for a nice long listen, put in a CD and all was well. I put an LP on and the sound was horrible - thin, and bright. Nothing had changed, and as I said the CD sounded as it always had. So the problem has to be in the phono stage - built in MM in Hovland HP-100 preamp - or the cartridge - Clearuadio Virtuoso wood MM. When a cartridge goes is this what happens? It is only about 9 months old, with no more than 1000 hours on it.
Just when everything had finally come together.
Rest of system:
CAT-JL2 amplifier
Hovland HP-100 preamp
Accuphase DP-75V CD player
Kharma 3.2 ceramique speakers
Basis 2001 w/ Graham 2.2 and Clearaudio Virtuoso wood MM cartridge.
Any thoughts are greatly appreciated
Carl
128x128czapp

Showing 2 responses by czapp

Hey Romy
Wow! Not only was I "stupid enough" to buy the Kharma's but what a moron I was to go for the Accuphase too.
Thanks for all that help.
Carl
Hello All
Thank you for your responses. The most confusing thing here is the enormous difference between CD and LP playback. CD's sound as they always have - rich and full bodied. I am borrowing a phono stage from a friend so that I can determine if the Hovland is the problem.
If that doesn't work, then I know it is the cartridge. Tim -
I will check the ceramic drivers as soon as I get home.That is a scarey thought. Feffer - the VTA hadn't changed from the position it was in. I did try to play with it, but I could not restore body and weight to the sound I was getting. The drivers have about 100 hours on them.
I know they are far from being broken in, but I do think this is a different problem.
Thanks again for all your suggestions
Carl