2. analog
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why sound is so different?

Recently I bought a linear tracking turntable with a Shure V-XV type 5 cartridge and a great collection of LPs of the 70s (all almost new, played just once or twice). I've been in the CD world for 20 years and want to taste my youth again. Problem is that now found lots of diferences in the sound, almost all the LPs sound brightless to me, lots of medium frecuencies and lack of highs, and some of the bass is missing also. Dont know if this is normal or must be something wrong in the cartdrige or the phono pream (a new Bellari VP130).
Your comments will be apreciated. Thanks
jorsan
madfloyd
411 posts
 
When I got into vinyl about 4 or 5 months ago, I was disappointed at first as well.

Part of it was the choices of vinyl; vinyl varies greatly. From both listening to my old collection and buying re-issues etc, some sound like crap and others sound incredible. Another aspect was the cartridge I was using - it sounded dull and lifeless. I'm now on my third cartridge and my last two sounded bright before breaking in (but they're not dark now either).

I received advice telling me to 'hang in there', that it would pay off with some amount of work and it was correct - so hang in there!
jporras
4 posts
 
Tnaks Madfloyd, Im hanging here for sure! By the way what cartridge are you using now? Im interested in analog again and will be great to find a good cartridge option in the $200-$300 category .... maybe is this too low now?
mt10425
1,138 posts
 
I own an LT-30 and use it daily. Email me if you want and we'll talk.
hdm
1,062 posts
 
The sound you describe sounds typical of not having enough gain, which would not be unusual considering the Bellari only has 30 db of gain. I could not find the ouput of the Shure you are using but to sound good with the Bellari you are going to need a MM cartridge with a significant output.

The easiest way for you to troubleshoot this is to try to borrow a phono stage with more gain (probably around 38-40 db). If that works (and I would expect it would), your options are to replace either the phono stage or the cartridge, matching up gain to the output value of the cartridge.

A very good guideline for doing this can be found on the www.kabusa.com website in the phono preamp gain computer.
jorsan OP
178 posts
 
Finally looks like was a set up problem,I have done everything from the beguining and now sounds great!, thanks to all for your comments.
As I mention, my cartridge is a Shure V 15 type V-MR. I just found that I can get an interesting price in Ebay so, do you consider would be wise to sell it and buy a new cartridge in the $200-$300 range or is better to keep it? my Shure was made in the 80's and I assume that after 20 years this area must develop a lot or . . . not?
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