06-17-15: Analogluvr
Hi guys
I bought a vDH colibri xgp, not the light version, and I was wondering if it was a good match with the ET 2 original arm tube? My other options are a VPI 12 or a MS 505.
Hi Analogluvr and welcome to the thread.
Very nice cartridge. :^)
So you bought the P which stands for Plastic body over the metal M - version ?
Interesting how the manufacturer states how each cartridge version is more suitable for different music genres.
The COLIBRI is available in three main versions:
XC Version: (X = cross shaped modulator, C = matched crystal Copper wire coils)
Low output all-round model
Output voltage: 0.22 mV/channel
Types available: XCP and XCM (P and M type suffix see *4)
XC-HO Version: (X = cross shaped modulator, C = matched crystal Copper wire coils, HO = High Output)
High output, most suitable for jazz music
Output voltage: 0.30mV/channel
Types available: XCP-HO and XCM-HO
XG Version: (X = cross shaped modulator, G = matched crystal Gold wire coils)
Medium output, most suitable for classical music
Output voltage: 0.38 mV/channel
Types available: XGP and XGM
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Colibri Static Compliance: 35 Micron/mN
This makes it very high compliance.
As one example the Acutex 420 str reviewed here by Bruce was even higher compliance. 42 x 10 -60 cm/dyne.
For those confused by compliance....think cartridge springiness.
(taken from - Galen Carol Audio)
Any cartridge/tonearm combination will exhibit resonance at a specific frequency (or frequencies).
This resonance is due to the interaction of the cartridge (acting as a spring), and the weight of the arm (acting as a mass).
The "springiness" of the phono cartridge is described as compliance, the weight of the arm is specified in mass.
As an example, a heavy weight on a light spring would obviously over-flex the spring, conversely, a light weight on a strong spring would not allow sufficient flexion.
so ..
Low compliance 12 x l0ˉ6 or below, is considered low compliance.
Medium to high compliance is 13 x l0ˉ6 and 25 x l0ˉ6 is considered high.
Very high compliance above that.
You can express compliance as the Colibri does in um/mN.
Here a rating of 5 to 10 is considered very low, 10 to 20 is moderate and above 35 is very high
The Colibri is very high compliance.
So if all other factors are equal the ET 2.0 with original aluminum arm tube would work best with this cartridge.
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other interesting stuff.
The web site data for VDH shows the vertical tracking angle as 22 Degrees for the Colibri
Here is info lifted from the ET2 manual Page 56 which I find useful.
*Not all cartridges will be improved by using them at some angle other than the intended design angle. the top of the cartridge parallel to the surface of the record.
*If the measured vertical tracking angle of a cartridge is high (greater than 22 degrees) its vertical performance will probably be improved by tilting it back 2 or 3 degrees. (front goes up) to match present vertical angles on records.
*If the measured vertical tracking angle of a cartridge is 18 -20 degrees it will probably perform best when its top is mounted mounted parallel to the record.
*Some cartridges are senstive to small changes in VTA, some are not.
pls excuse an spelling/grammar errors.
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And if we really want to get ANAL-og with our ET2 setup. :^)
low compliance cartridge - use triple leaf spring with I Beam.
medium compliance - use double leaf spring.
High compliance - use single leaf spring.
The Colibri would use one leaf spring.
We are matching I Beam Springiness with that of the cartridge.