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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
cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,700 posts
 
Have you tried it without the SUT?
melm
1,057 posts
 
I don't think the problem is with the platter, though shifting to an aluminum platter will change the sound. IIRC the Well Tempered has an acrylic platter and the VPI Mk iii has a combination platter with acrylic on top. So acrylic should not be the problem. I, for one, believe that the movement back to an all metal platter was a step in the wrong direction.

Make sure that the VPI bearing has had a good lubrication in the not too distant past. The VPI can also be improved if the bearing is replaced with a Mk V bearing and removal of the tripod. The factory may have some old bearings lying around. A 300 rpm motor and flywheel combo would also help.

But I agree that most likely there is a mismatch between the Koetsu and what comes after it.
dkarmeli
334 posts
 
Setup aside, your Koetsu never was the last word in resolution and I can understand why you find it veiled compared to your Lyra. Its also more colored compared to what you're used to. You can also try plugging it in directly to your LP2, you might like it better. That's the cartridge end I would also see why the arm was hardwired and try to reverse it.

david
sbrown
148 posts
 
Another issue is the mismatch between the Graham & Koetsu. The Koetsu is extremely low compliance and needs a high mass arm which the Graham is not. I think the combo is like putting tractor tires on a Lambo - yes it will drive but it will never be optimal.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,368 posts
 
There's acrylic and there's acrylic. The way you describe the unsatisfactory sound was the exact way mine was sounding. When I changed to the Classic platter, it was like heaven opened up. ...the new platter is not bright...just open and free.
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