2. analog
  3. 166132-11588

Is LP distortion the record or the cartridge?

Or maybe something else? On dynamic peaks, even at fairly low volume, the sound breaks up and produces distortion.
The first thought is that the cartridge is not properly tracking. Am using a Miyajima Shalabi, Tri-planar arm and Woodsong Garrard 301. Fairly new to serious analog and TTs, I hear the phrase “compliance” but not really sure what that is all about. I do know that the arm and the cartridge need to be compatible.
mglik
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
On all records? 
mglik OP
911 posts
 
Some more than others. Old vocals and piano are frequently bad.I am waiting on an order for a Lyra Atlas SL.
Sure hope this will help. Any ideas on what changes to expect?
sryeager
125 posts
 
I was having a similar problem in highly modulated passages, particularly female vocal harmonies and Pink Floyd crescendos.  I only noticed this after a significant turntable upgrade.  I kept thinking it must be cartridge alignment or a compliance issue.  Maybe bad pressings..  I got ocd about cleaning the needle, sometimes twice per side.

 I got a used integrated for an in home trial and realized after hours of listening to the albums that had given me trouble, I hadn’t thought maybe the needle had picked up some fuzz once.  Bought the amp and no distortion since.

although some here might tell you it can’t be the amp that might act that way, it can be.  My amp was from the 80s.
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