Thanks, avanti1960. I've got anti-skate at a minimum based on the results from both the HiFi News and Analog Productions test LPs. And you bet I've used a protractor and gone over the alignment probably 10 or 15 times at this point.
I've read that VTA for the ART-9 is best at slightly tail-up from various sources. If I read you correctly, you're suggesting to level it off?
Anyway, a few posts ago I mentioned that I had solved the sound issue by using the Fozgometer and tilting the cartridge at an angle that really *shouldn't* be correct. I played several records and they all tracked perfectly well, and I was paying REALLY close attention.
But now already something seems wrong again. I made NO changes whatsoever, and even though the IGD is still gone, I'm clearly getting distortion on clean records again, which is totally the sound of misalignment. So I'm going to do a few more tests before I (hopefully) draw a conclusion.
Unfortunately, things are starting to point towards a damaged or defective cartridge.
I've read that VTA for the ART-9 is best at slightly tail-up from various sources. If I read you correctly, you're suggesting to level it off?
Anyway, a few posts ago I mentioned that I had solved the sound issue by using the Fozgometer and tilting the cartridge at an angle that really *shouldn't* be correct. I played several records and they all tracked perfectly well, and I was paying REALLY close attention.
But now already something seems wrong again. I made NO changes whatsoever, and even though the IGD is still gone, I'm clearly getting distortion on clean records again, which is totally the sound of misalignment. So I'm going to do a few more tests before I (hopefully) draw a conclusion.
Unfortunately, things are starting to point towards a damaged or defective cartridge.