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New AT cartridge thoughts/question

After considering purchasing a new TT or just getting a new cart for my old Dual 1219 I decided on the cart.  After some research and a suggestion from a previous thread I went with an AT-VM 95SH from Music Direct.  Got around to installing it today and so far sounds good.  More detail and better imaging, quicker bass, extended treble.  What really stood out was the percussion, especially cymbals, hi-hat, ride.  Unfortunately, I've only had a chance to listen for a short while today and at low volume.  More extended listening to come soon I hope!

My question is about possible cart burn-in.  While the increased detail is great, the treble might be a little too tipped up for me.  Maybe this is just how this cart sounds?  Or can I expect it to mellow out just a bit as I put hours on it?  I am a  relative newb with vinyl (many years off!) and this is my first go at a cartridge change.  Going to put as many hours on this new cart as possible in the coming days so we'll see what happens.  Honestly, still considering a new TT altogether!   
pkatsuleas
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
Well it is AT after all. That is their sound. Something to keep in the back of your mind, you prefer a less tilted up sound. Me too. 

A good part of what you're hearing as extension is probably just the grain and glare of a new cartridge. This will be less, the sound will get more relaxed and natural with more hours. It is AT after all, so don't expect a miracle, but hopefully you will be surprised how much it smooths out with some hours on it.

bkeske's avatar
bkeske
5,597 posts
 
Peter Ledermann (Soundsmith) has stated cartridge ‘burn-in’ is mostly a myth. What does happen is the stylus diamond tip adjusts itself for the first few hours. 

As MC stated, AT’s are fairly known for their ‘tilted up’ sound. Clear, detailed definition, all great, but they seem to like the high end. As good as their clarity and definition seems to be, I went in a different direction as it seemed a bit ‘too much of a good thing’ to me.
yeti42's avatar
yeti42
287 posts
 
Some claim 50 hours, some say its a myth. I’ve certainly heard some fairly drastic changes in the first few hours with one cartridge I’ve owned with the bass filling out and the top end calming down, and hardly any from others. After 50 hours you can be fairly certain any change will be from wearing out rather than wearing in and I generally leave it that long after an initial setup before fine tuning. The fine line styli are a bit more sensitive to VTA and if the arm allows it and the sound is a bit toppy at the moment you could try adjusting it a bit down at the back but probably best to leave it a while and just play some records.
pkatsuleas OP
268 posts
 
Thanks for the replies.  Listening today and definitely enjoying the more detailed sound.  Right now the 2011 Aqualung reissue sounding great.  If I get just a bit of calming after a while that would be fine.    
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