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
edcyn
1,876 posts
 
Sorry to report, distortion and mistracking are the bane of the vinyl universe. If possible, drag the turntable to a reputable dealer/tech and have them set it up. Or have 'em come by! If you decide to do it yourself, don't drink too much coffee before you attempt your own adjustments, You don't wanna have the shakes. And attach suitable magnifying lenses to your eyeballs.
mglik OP
911 posts
 
I really only noticed this distortion after inserting my new Atma-Sphere MP-1. Could its sensitivity be part of the cause?
But my records are old and were played on a not so good TT before...
I did get Tri to help me on the phone with set up. Assume it is good.
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,956 posts
 
you need a new reference disc in good shape and the inventor of your phono stage weighed in a few posts ago....
boxer12
8,656 posts
 
"the inventor of your phono stage weighed in a few posts ago...."

And was spot on...  "Cartridge alignment is paramount". 

When your system becomes more transparent (as in your case the addition of the MP-1), you'll hear some of the "sins" that were previously masked. The same thing happen to me when I changed from Tekton to Wilson speakers. In that case, I checked the cartridge alignment & found it off ever so slightly. Once fixed, the distortion problem went away.   
Ag insider logo xs@2x
rauliruegas
13,101 posts
 
Dear @mglik  : Other than the alignment issue, that's is critical including that the Triplanar been mounted at the rigth distance from the TT spindle, your cartridge is alow compliance design and could be not very good tracker and its resonance frequency with your tonearm is around 12hz that could disturb a little the quality sound we are listening with. Your tonearm comes with a silicon damping tray that I don't know if you are using it: do you?

Now, how many playing  hours has your cartridge from new and which with which protractor made it its alignment set up?
Talking of the cartridge ( any ) what you are experienced looks like could be a cartridge suspension problem.

Btw, which phono stage was using before this " trouble "?

Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,
R.




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