2. analog
  3. 119718-75218

No bass with new turntable?

 Hello, I've just set up a Pro-ject Carbon DC Esprit, dialed in the arm etc., and while the upper spectrum of the sound is great, there is just no bass, let's say below the 80-100hz range. It's been probably 30 years since I've fooled around with turntables so I can't remember if that's just the way it's supposed to be. Luckily I have a Velodyne SMS-1 bass management system to turn up what I'm missing, but without that I'd be completely disappointed. Using a CDP my speakers are very full of bass. I've played with the tone arm adjustments with no difference in bass really, all supplied cables hooked up and checked, the cart is an Ortofon Red, the phono preamp is integrated in the Rogue Audio Sphinx amp.
 Any suggestions/opinions?
wetfeet48
czarivey
5,946 posts
 
Well, 
I see that the problem may be more like in cartridge more than anything else.
No alignment or VTA can drastically diminish bass, but proper VTF is required to be in specified range per cartridge.

The cartridge either 
1. not wired properly
2. replaceable stylus not mounted tight
3. cartridge/stylus is defected since new

if the cartridge/needle not new

4. cartridge is clogged and needs cleaning with stylus removed(if applicable)
5. stylus is worn and needs re-tip or replacement
paraneer's avatar
paraneer
818 posts
 

I love vinyl!

That being said, I would never say it sounds better than digital.  But it does sound different and 9 out of 10 times, I prefer this difference in an LP rather than its CD counterpart.  Vinyl also gives me more of an emotional connection to the music than digital does.  This connection no doubt adds to my preference as well.  And IMO, vinyl does not lack any bass but lewm is correct - the tonearm/cartridge/calibration is critical to properly hear it.  Analog vinyl requires way more involvement from the user to "get it right".  Its not a convenient format but sure is an engaging, fun hobby!

The OP's Carbon Espirit uses Pro-jects 8.5" carbon fiber arm and the factory mounted cartridge is an Ortofon 2M Red with a frequency response of 20-20Khz +/-3 db.  We know he has "dialed in the arm", but is that just VTF and anti-skate?  What about overhang?  Did someone tamper with it from its factory setting and if so, what protractor is he using to reset it?  If all of this was done correctly, then I agree with czarivey and maybe its a defective cartridge or its stylus at the end of its life and should be replaced.  And last, what kind of albums is the OP listening to?   Most original pressings of classic rock on recycled vinyl from the early 70's wouldn't sound good on a 100K TT and the finest cartridge/phone stage. 

A little more info from the OP would be helpful.  All I know, is that I have albums where the bass is absolutely amazing - fast, tight and deep!  And to my ears anyway, smokes digital copies.

lewm
13,230 posts
 
Missioncoonery,  If you're ONLY talking about very extreme low bass response, there I would agree that the best digital may have an edge on a "good" vinyl set up.  But in every other aspect, I would disagree with you.  However, if you prefer digital, I have no idea why you are spending any time at all with vinyl.  There must be SOMEthing you like about it.

missioncoonery
1,227 posts
 
 I like being able to listen to the lps  Ive had for decades that where never released on disc,pretty simple
czarivey
5,946 posts
 
Most original pressings of classic rock on recycled vinyl from the early 70's wouldn't sound good on a 100K TT and the finest cartridge/phone stage.
I tend to agree. 60's jazz and classical records have great bass especially UK releases.
More to discover