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Tracking ability SPU

Hi, yesterday I played the Hi-Fi News test record through my analog rig (Acoustic Solid tt with granite base, Fidelity Research FR-66S + Ortofon SPU 85 Anniversary cartridge, VTF 3.70 grams). I'm shocked and also a bit sad afterwards because the SPU could not play all but the easiest tracks for testing tracking ability. Within the first 1/10th of a second the stylus skipped and "skated" to the next track. It was a weird and scary experience! Do you have any suggestion how to improve the tracking ability?

Chris
dazzdax
thomasheisig
568 posts
 
Did you try it with the small Anti-Skate weight? When not, try it with that one.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
rauliruegas
13,018 posts
 
Dear Chris: The weak point on the SPU cartridges is that are not the best trackers out there, they are heavy and low compliance.

A test record is good for tell you how good ( on test ) is the cartridge but the important subject is that your cartridge can works and perform fine through your " real " LPs with any single problem due to poor tracking, if your SPU is doing well on that regard then you have nothing to worry about and feel free to enjoy it at top level!!!

Now, if you have trouble about ( I asume the cartridge/tonearm has the right set-up.) you can try a little higher VTF, a different tonearm and/or add the Audio Technica vacuum platter to your AS TT .

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
dazzdax OP
599 posts
 
Thomas, I did it with the small AS weight. Within the first 1/10th of a second the stylus got kicked out of the groove --> very scary.

Chris
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thomasheisig
568 posts
 
Thomas, I did it with the small AS weight. Within the first 1/10th of a second the stylus got kicked out of the groove --> very scary.
strange. Please excuse my question, but the needle is clean???
When not, no track test will work properly...
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