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classic rock lps on VPI

I've detailed in previous posts my dislike for the sound of mediocre recorded rock lps on my VPI Scoutmaster with JMW 10.5i.

I have elicited opinions about a second tt setup with a Thorens TD160 for rock recordings and VPI for the rest. I'm not sure I want to go this way.

So, in an effort to use the VPI for both types of recordings, I've returned to seeking a mod program for the VPI that will allow for pleasant listening to both the rock and the rest of my already excellent sounding lps.

I've had some very excellent suggestions for a second tonearm wand that will be used exclusively for the rock recordings. I can get it either custom wired with Cardas wire, or the standard Discovery cable. At this point I am pointing towards the Cardas, as I've heard its warmer in the mids. I also thought the Discovery cable was a bit closed in on top on my previous JMW 9 tonearm, ie. the Cardas. Any thoughts on this?

As for cartridge, at this point I'm pointing towards either a Sumiko Blue Point Special MkIII, or Denon 103R, possibly modded with wood body. My only concern with the Denon would be low compliance. May not match up well with the 10.5i tonearm? Any suggestions here?

Finally, I've had suggestions for the Mini HR-X feet, adding a bit of spaciousness, warmth, refinement. Any feedback on these?

Thanks, Scott
sns
stiltskin
499 posts
 
Sns
Personally I loved using Nordost Valhalla this far up the signal chain.
Be aware it takes an incredible long period to burn in tonearm wire using that tiny signal of the cartridge.

Typically Nordost ICs and speaker wire take 350 to 400 solid hours to run in.

Dealers will burn your tonearm wire in for a small fee, worth having it done.

What I'm getting at, if your tonearm wire isn't fully burnt in ,your not hearing all of what your table arm and cartridge can do. And it's not subtle

I found VPI tables in general dark sounding and for sure Cardas wire is dark sounding also, I would imagine the new rim drive have cleaned up the sound.

Using such a revealing wire this far up the signal chain has enormous advantages over most anything else available,

Also using more Nordost wire to your phonostage would be a good idea.

Just make sure it's fully burnt in before making changes within your system.
dgarretson
2,603 posts
 
BTW, one way to see if the thread drive is tensioned correctly is to give the record clamp a clockwise twist while the TT is running. If you hear the thread complain against the motor pulley, then tighten the thread. If tightening doesn't fix it, then you can get there by adding the tensioning pressure roller at the motor pulley.

I doubt the Thorens will get close to the tweaked VPI.
sns OP
3,404 posts
 
Stiltskin, I burned the Valhalla in for perhaps 200 hours with some modded IC's connected to a cd burn in disc. High level signal is burning tonearm wiring in, perhaps I need more. Still, I"m not hearing anything in the wiring that sounds as if it needs burn in. There is plenty of impact, refinement, transparency with quality recordings.

Yes, the Thorens may not do it for me either, either way it will be interesting to compare and contrast. I just want more impact and a fuller, perhaps even darker tonal balance for the rock records. Right now, they sound so lightweight, this may be a silly analogy, but its sort of like a ballerina dancing to rock music, just doesn't add up. The VPI is polite and refined, light on it's feet. I want down and dirty, a real strong foundation for listening to my rock records.

I know a quality sub would really help my situation. Can't have one, however, got a police call with my last sub.
stiltskin
499 posts
 
Sns,
I would most definitely follow all of Dgarrestons suggestions on tweaking your table including NOT buying a second table.

This money saved is money better spent else where.

Also look into Tvads suggestion on a purchase of a highly accurate arc protractor. MintLp.com

Rergarding your tonearm.
200 hours on your tonearm wire is not near enough.
I'm sure things sound fine at this point, but there's more, a lot more. Things will open up and bloom from top to bottom.
When the Valhalla is fully run in there will be absolutely no hint that its even there passing a signal.

If there is any bit of brightness or coolness in the treble region while listening it needs more time on it to settle down.
What I just wrote I know this may not help with your classic Rock listening issue.

I'm just letting you know there is more to be had by logging time onto your tonearm wire.
sns OP
3,404 posts
 
Stiltskin,
I am going to keep the VPI for some time, even if I get the Thorens. I going ahead with Dave's tweaks for the VPI, also in the initial stages of building his equalizer for my Merlins.

On the protractor, my only hesitation stems from the Fremer tt setup DVD, in that he uses the Wallytracker to set up a Scoutmaster tt, he then puts the cartridge on the VPI jig and everything lines up exactly.

I'm sure your correct on the tonearm cable, I will give it another 200 hours on the RCAs with cd burn in disk.

Thanks again, Scott
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