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
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.
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?
Hdm, looks like the output of this unit is 3.0 mv (the information is in the KABUSA website). I forgot to mention the "MR" in the model so maybe this is why you didnt find it.
Jorsan, I'm using a Dynavector 20XL cartridge.

Again, keep in mind that even with perfect setup, great equipment, some vinyl just sounds like crap. An example:

One of my first LP purchases 4 months ago was Steve Miller Fly Like an Eagle. It was $9.99 and heavy vinyl and I was excited to put it on and hear no surface noise (which was my biggest fear getting back into vinyl). It sounded crappy and when I compared to my CD (which sounded good) I was convinced something was wrong with my setup. Then over time I read more than once that particular LP was a crap resissue. I bought a MFSL reissue on eBay. Got a great copy - no noise or scratches and it sounded better. Today for kicks I pulled out my version from the 70s which earlier I wouldn't even have contemplated playing (I didn't take care of my LPs back then) since it looked in bad shape. Yes, I hear surface noise but otherwise the sound is spot on correct. With the two other versions the bass is raised, vocals recessed and sounds lifeless. This version sounds great.

I made the mistake of thinking that a 'good' pressing was simply a quiet one. I also thought MFSL were the bees knees. I was so wrong. Count me now in the category of preferring a proper/analog sounding mastering with surface noise than a quiet dull or bassy one.

If only I knew this before spending so much money on reissues and expensive MFSL on ebay.

Hope this helps.