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Vinyl playback - lack of bass?

Alright, hopefully this isn't a dumb question.

I split my audio listening between analog and digital. Both setups use the same preamp/amp/speakers etc. I noticed that when listening to records, there isn't as much pronounced bass vs lets say when listening to tidal/qobuz. I'm wondering if its my phono that might have a lack of bass? or is it because my cartridge hasn't fully broken in yet? For fun , I connected my sub when I switched to side 2 yesterday, it helped pronounce the bass a bit more as I elevated the volume on the sub. But nothing crazy. but was decent enough. 

Besides that, everything sounds fantastic and great on LP vs digital. Also, to mention, lately have been playing some older original rock records. I should try popping in a newer record for fun to see if it makes a difference (most likely not analog sourced of course). or I can try the new Black Sabbath Rhino release.

Setup - analog - rega p6 w/ ania cartridge (only 30 hours on the cartridge so far). Phono - Moon 310lp. 

Digital - moon 280d mind2 w/ dac

Rest - Preamp Moon 740p, amp pass labs x250.8 , speakers Sonus Faber Olympica III 

 

skads_187
socalml528's avatar
socalml528
170 posts
 

I agree with the many comments on set-up and media. One thing I've observed in all media; CD, SACD, Digital and Vinyl, is that the source media is often a big factor in how prominent the bass is presented. Try playing some R&B vinyl and see if you get a strong bass response; something like Luther Vandross.

Next reverse your test, once you identify a vinyl source with strong bass response then play the same music on digital or CD and see what your results are.

socalml528's avatar
socalml528
170 posts
 

I agree with the many comments on set-up and media. One thing I've observed in all media; CD, SACD, Digital and Vinyl, is that the source media is often a big factor in how prominent the bass is presented. Try playing some R&B vinyl and see if you get a strong bass response; something like Luther Vandross.

Next reverse your test, once you identify a vinyl source with strong bass response then play the same music on digital or CD and see what your results are.

vair68robert
652 posts
 

Great amp , and yes the cartridge needs more time breaking in .

 

To test old or original 60's rock vinyl for bass try a testing your original release with a new " remastered " one , say like the Beatles remastered by Giles Martin .

A real good test would be to play The Cowboy Junkies album All That Reckoning  , if you don't have bass slam then there might be a problem in your cartridge setup . 

mopsauce
31 posts
 

One of my favorite carts to throw on is a Shure M44G Club/Party unit. Makes me want to spin some tunes after a tinkering session. 
* this is genre specific and we never touch the good stuff during these regressions. 

skads_187 OP
85 posts
 

Thanks all, so this is what I am going to do based on what I have read here.

1. I need to do a better test. I think someone gave me an idea with Daft Punk. I might test 1 track from Random Access Memories and compare both digital vs LP.

2. I need to re look at my capacitance settings. I remember with the 310lp I think I was confused as the manual suggested to use 0pF for MC cartridges, however, for the Ania, it states to use 1000 pF, which the 310lp only has 3 options, 0pF, 100pF and 470pF. At first I thought 100pF was the 1000 one since it was missing. Ill double check what its set at, so not sure at the moment if it should be on 470 or 0.

3. I think I should give the Ania a true test and wait until its fully broken in. I know the store did indeed tell me after 100 hours it will change. Im hoping to hear something at 50 Hours, fingers crossed.

4. maybe its time to change the phono first (before the TT, not sure if I want to change it yet, since I haven't used it much). Im not sure if maybe the pass labs xp15 is a good option (read reviews that it has a warmer sound than the xp17) This may need another discussion thread on its own in the near future.

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