Calling all VDH Colibri Fanatics and Experts ...

IMHE, I have to agree with @rauliruegas, especially regarding that it's worth the time and trouble to send it back to VDH after 300 hrs or play. When I first considered getting a Colibri, I asked H.W. at VPI if any/which Colibri would work well on my JMW12.7 arm (on TNT6HR table) and he confirmed that the light weight version of the Colibri that I was considering would be an excellent match. Perhaps it is a bit more finicky than some others about setup parameters, but overall it's very dynamic with an extended treble performance that it rare and exceptional in its price category. On the downside, it might not gloss over imperfections in LPs as well as other carts I've used, but IMHO with most setups if your records aren't in great shape, your experience won't be great anyway. 

Dear @sbank : """  overall it's very dynamic with an extended treble performance that it rare and exceptional in its price category.  """

Agree and I would like to add that the Colibri quality level " treble performance " is just second to none, at any price. Overall a great cartridge.

"""  it might not gloss over imperfections in LPs as well as other carts I've used,  """

as always that could be system dependent specially how good damped is the tonearm and the tonearm stability during playback.

Anyway, I love the Colibri.

Regards and enjoy the music,
R.

@rauliruegas Thanks for that. Perhaps I'll experiment with a slightly higher level of damping fluid in the arm's trough. Cheers,
Spencer

Could you guys shed some light on your ways to set SRA at 92 with Colibri? I've got XGW version (wood) and find it hard to get that sweet spot with mine. 

In past years, some of my VDH Colibri's have demonstrated different characteristics, which makes sense due to the many different iterations of the cartridges.  The latest SPED.2 Colibri Grenadille Blackwood XGW in my system is a true standout and stands head to head with my Lyra Atlas, the main difference being the Atlas offers quieter tracking with tighter bass on classical recordings, especially those larger works having below 30Hz low frequency information.  I typically prefer the Colibri Blackwood cartridge to my Allaerts MC1B and Lyra Atlas. 

Somehow, the Colibri manages to be fast, dynamic and resolving but still retains an instruments tonal and timbre structure whereas the Atlas remains more neutral, clean and clear, even dry at times.

Forget about regular SRA settings with the Colibri, as each one is a little different, most of mine are riding a little low at the tail if examined by eye.  Patience is key and listen carefully every step of the way.