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Bass distortion-Playing LP's only,,,,please help

VPI Prime----Ortofon Black Quintet (low output moving coil cart)-----Plinius Koru Phono Pre( loading at 20 ohms/gain at 66 db)-----Parasound Halo Integrated -----Martin Logan Montis speakers which have powered bass cabinets.

Using any other source component I have absolutely no issues. When I play an LP and increase the volume past 10 O'clock which is a little loud....but not ridiculously loud-I at times get this huge wave of bass distortion. I do have bass controls on the Montis's...and I have turned them down into the negative, but I still get what I previously described occasionally. 

Any and all help would be appreciated. This doesn't always happen, but its frequent enough to drive me crazy.

Thanks in advance.

krelldog
lewm
13,110 posts
 
Krelldog, Better to move either your turntable or probably just one of your woofers (if they are separately housed).  Though the rumble filter will probably do the job, it's another item in the signal path that probably you could get along without.  Filters are not entirely transparent.
mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
4,992 posts
 
@krelldog...these were/are known also as subsonic filters.  I'm sure you've owned at least one preamp or phono stage that had one.  They used to be pretty prominent on preamps, but not so much now.
moonglum
619 posts
 
Good advice above Krelldog but one other thing worth trying : the Montis active bass will (I presume) have a bass roll off control. I've always felt with MLs bass output that "less is more". Try introducing a few dbs cut (say -4 setting on each or whatever you feel is appropriate) and see if it solves the problem and whether you can live with it?
All the best
moonglum
619 posts
 
(Sorry Raul ;)
moonglum
619 posts
 

Krelldog, take heart my friend. By way of encouragement :

  • I use a T/T of almost identical mass/config.

  • It is situated in the worst possible place – a corner.

  • There is an ML active bass cabinet right next to the T/T (Vantage)

  • The stand simply consists of 3x tri-spiked levels, 50mm thick solid oak throughout, set on a solid concrete floor.

Even at peak SPLs of 95db (measured) at 6 metres there is no trace of feedback. (Not that I routinely listen at such volumes, I prefer to retain my hearing! ;)

Bass integration is perfect and the sound completely natural.

Good luck! :)

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