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Another Request for Information/Knowledge

What are some possible reasons for distortion in both channels following a cartridge swap? I used a basic pvc protractor and positioned the cartridge correctly at both null points and I set tracking force and anti-skate at the recommended settings for the cartridge. The cartridge is a rebuilt Yamaha MC-3 with a boron cantilever and a fresh re-tip both done by Namika in Japan. The arm is the stock dual tube arm on my Yamaha PF-800 turntable.

I am getting distortion from both channels that is most audible during soft passages.


I wasn’t sure how to use the protractor to account for overhang. As luck would have it, the original overhang gauge that came with the table is the one accessory missing from the box.  Could this account for the distortion?


I’ve learned a lot about vinyl playback over the past couple of months by reading through many discussions posted here but I may be in over my head with my first cartridge swap lol. Thanks again to all who who have helped me along the way.

128x128dmac67
dmac67's avatar
dmac67 OP
73 posts
 
Original spec was to set VTF at 1.2g. The lightest setting at which I am getting no audible (to me) distortion is 1.32g on my digital vtf scale so, by my scale, I am .12g above recommended VTF.

On a side note, I’m trying to figure out the worst part of growing old...failing vision making it difficult to read the markings on a protractor or losing my freaking memory.  I have no idea where I put my scale down!


slaw's avatar
slaw
21,602 posts
 
Which V T F gauge are you using. IME, some are pretty far off, like the Shure for instance.
dmac67's avatar
dmac67 OP
73 posts
 
Mine is low end. I think I remember paying only $39 for it. It’s made by Riverstone Audio.
I just saw its still sold on Amazon and its only $27.50 delivered.

I also just went to the official US Mint site. A US dime’s official weight is stated at 2.68 grams. Mine measured a nearly new dime to weigh 2.7 grams so, in that case, its fairly accurate.  
slaw's avatar
slaw
21,602 posts
 
Are your cartridge clips getting good contact?
dmac67's avatar
dmac67 OP
73 posts
 
I will definitely recheck the clips.  I had one not attached properly and had to reattach after I first aligned the cartridge.  I think I got that one on securely and I did a visual inspection of the other three.  
I’m working from home so maybe I’ll start the whole process of installing the cartridge again tomorrow.  In the worst case, I’ll at least get some additional practice for the future.
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