[Delacroix]

Hi Vinyl-heads

I am hoping someone here can help with a problem that's driving me nuts. I own an original VPI Aries with JMW10. Last year a local dealer installed a new Benz Wood SL on my arm and all was good. At Xmas, I installed a Gingko Cloud under the table and was happy with the sound. A couple of weeks back, however, not having listened to LPs for a few days, I put on Van Morrison and was disturbed by the bass distortion I heard. A quick check of set up revealed the VTF had increased significantly, though it is not clear how since the table is fully encased in a dedicated cover and my son knows not to go near this part of my rig.

Now, a couple of weeks of adjustments later, I have run out of ideas. This weekend I even did a complete reset of the cartridge so I have a level table, VTF within range, azimuth good to the eye (I know the limits here), and arm relatively parallel to the platter to start but no matter what VTA I set, I cannot get rid of this distortion completely. I know wonder if it is possible that the stylus is damaged? Is it possible that damage could effect just one part of the frequency range like this? I have otherwise decent soundstaging, good center image,  musical mids and decent uppers but that bass distortion will not go. I am REALLY hoping there is some set-up parameter I have overlooked here but I cannot think what it might be. Unlike the set up by the dealer, I used the VPI jig that came with the table to set the overhang, which did move the cartridge more forward than dealer had set and while this changed the sonics a little, that bass problem is persisting......any help gratefully received as I am just reaching the end of my patience here (you know how it can be!).

thanks much

[orthobiz]

I have a Gingko Cloud also. If I touch the Cloud I can induce woofer pumping. Maybe your TT finds itself in a node in the room that is causing TT vibration? I said, Hey, VPI, get offa my Cloud! (I couldn't resist, try it off the Cloud and see if it helps. I'd be interested in knowing also!)

I can't explain the time difference, why it changed, unless you moved the TT or the speakers?

Paul

[DaveyW]

The VTF shift is curious?
It's difficult to think of reasons for significant VTF change without human intervention.
How did you detect that the VTF had changed? I'm presuming scales.
How much had it shifted by and did you check it after mating the deck to the cloud, maybe it occured during movement??

Are you sure little fingers have not been at play?
There's lots of nice knobs and dials just tempting to be twiddled.

Re. Cart damage - how's it riding?
Is the body still the same height above the vinyl?
Do you have another cart to try? It might help determine the culprit of your bass issues (cart or deck)?

Sorry I can't offer any answers, only questions.
Dave

[Delacroix]

Thanks both

I agree someone must have shifted the counterweight, even me in the course of doing something with my system without realizing it or maybe someone banged into the table by accident when I was not around (that JMW arm never felt very stable, despite the claims). Regardless, I have it tracking at recommended force now so I've got that part sorted. It it is just a case of taking a break and dialing it all back in slowly over multiple sessions, I can live with that but I am fearing it's something more. It might be the speaker placement so I am going to play that variable out next since I don't have a spare cartridge to test -- that is actually a little easier than taking the table off the Gingko, which I will have to try after that if placement won't solve the problem.  If the cartridge is indeed shot, I'll be devastated given the price of replacement

[95Dyna]

Hi Delacroix,

I have the Benz Wood SL on a 10.5i SE sitting on board the VPI Classic and was wondering if you could describe what the distortion sounds like.  The dealer set mine up and it has sounded marvelous but I do notice a bass aberation on some recordings but not others.  It will sound a little fat and ressonant I'm going to guess in the 50-100 hz range.  I have not used the cloud or any other isolation device since VPI claims the Classic to be its own isolation device (weighs in at 65 lbs. w/platter).  BTW, VPI also calls the Benz Micro Wood an almost perfect match for the 10.5i-weight and compliance specs bear that out.

What are you using for your phono pre?

[Delacroix]

Hi 95Dyna

Am using currently a PS Audio GCPH. My dealer is going to come round to check it out, hopefully this week, but while I am waiting, I was thinking of getting a cheaper, decent cartridge, just to determine if mine is the problem now or if it is the phono stage. Am thinking it would be useful anyhow to have a back-up (which I wished I had on hand the last few weeks). Any suggestions for something listenable on this arm/table under $150?

thanks

[neobop]

I was thinking about what $150 cart could be an adequate back up for your Benz. It's a tall order. Maybe a DL-110 could get you by. But I wonder if you'd be into listening to it. Maybe this AT for $175 would be better:
http://www.lpgear.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=LG&Product_Code=ATF3III&Category_Code=A3

I'm thinking that it's more likely that the cart is having problems, although I don't really know this. Maybe your dealer will give you a loaner or tighten you up with a replacement more like what you're used to. Because the VTF was messed up, I'd guess that it was tampered with. Unless you forgot a set screw or something like that, it's likely the cause. I guess you've checked azimuth and all the other parameters. Good luck, whatever happens.
neo

[Delacroix]

Thanks Neo -- definitely considering the Denon but the AT is a new one that might work, other AT models have a reputation for being over-achievers. Am reconciled to having a back up that is not as nice as the Benz but I want whatever I buy to make music rather than dull my senses or shave my ears, and it will be a reminder of what value exists, if I get it right.