Tranfiguration Orpheus description

Mark, my thinking about VTF is somewhat similar to my experiences with SRA: that it's difficult to find any two of the same model cartridge, that are identical in either of those characteristics.

You can physically see zero SRA, if you have the patience and tools, so no problem there. But with VTF, there is no practical way to "see" the coil's position with respect to the magnetic flux field. However, its (the coil's) optimum position can be inferred by measuring the cartridge's output for a given test tone at slightly different VTF settings.

I do it using the VU meter on my tape deck, which is not refined enough a tool to find the actual highest output point. So what I do is look for the VTF settings just above and just below the (assumed) optimum that yields the same meter setting.

So for the Tranny for instance, we assume the optimum VTF would be (theoretically) 1.9 gm, halfway between 1.8 and 2.0 gm, according to the manufacturer. So let's say you take a meter reading of a 1 kHz tone (Cardas record) at VTF 1.8 gm, and you adjust the meter to give a readable number like 0 VU. Then you increase the VTF ABOVE the optimum to where you again get 0 VU. Let's say that turns out to be 2.1 gm. The average (between 1.8 and 2.1) would be 1.95 gm. And at 1.95 gm, the meter should read slightly higher than 0 VU.

Even using this crude method, I determined my Tranny W had the most output at around 2.0 gm (with slightly less output just above or below) That was just after break-in, and I'm going to do it again just to see if anything's changed -- it certainly wouldn't surprise me to find it now requires a little less VTF.

Of course VTF also affects tracking, but I've always held that if a cartridge isn't tracking properly anywhere within its specified VTF range, something's not right with the setup or with the cartridge itself.
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Nsgarsh,basically,after doing technical stuff(guage reading of downforce,and all other measured parameters),we ALWAYS use a "set" series of LP's,to make final adjustments(everywhere)by ear.
I like to have a good idea where the cartridge "sets up",and then listen for a couple of hours(actually these sessions go for an average of six to eight hours),guaging the timbres of music,etc,on these discs.
I wind up having to "fotz" around with the fluid/downforce/vta,about a zillion times before the night is through.Guaranteed to take place this Friday.I'm already in the gym,training!
This time around,thanks to the great post by Doug Deacon,we will pay closer attention to antiskate,beyond a setting,on paper,or with the usual test records.
I cannot wait,for Friday!I LOVE checking out stuff that has the potential to improve my own set-up.With my friend,here,this is a perfect scenario!Yet,I will go in open minded,and independent of preconceived notions.I don't think I am actually as obsessed as some of my posts indicate.
BTW,as a little "tease"(just for fun,and believe me,I'm really not taking all this too seriously.Just hobby fun),my friend mounted the "O",yesterday.
Based on how much "over the top" raving he does,for almost any new "chacka",he gets,he is not overly impressed here!!
Of course,this means nothing,with break-in,and his very rough set-up,but I figure we can have a bit of a fun "cliffhanger",for the moment!
Best
Mark

Mark, I can't seem to remember if you said what your initial impressions were of your V, but everyone including myself was a little surprised/disappointed with their Trannies at first, until after 50 hours or so. And it just happened again with someone else who purchased an O, so I'm not surprised your friend was underwhelmed ;--)
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Actually,right out of the box,I felt the "V" was considerably better,than the "Temper-Suprems"!I have never been a big fan of any cartridge requiring more than about fifty hrs of break-in.
Best!

Anti-skate and azimuth are both very important with the Transfig styli. I have found the Orpheus likes to run a little bit heavier (1,95-2,0g.) than the Tempers, though I agree that 1.87 is exactly where I ended up with them. I would also try 100 ohms loading, as the cartridge is a bit better balanced there.