2. analog
  3. 1219667757

Anyone NOT like the sound of VPI?

I'm wondering if I'm just not a VPI guy. Bought a Scoutmaster with signature JMW arm and a Shelter 501 MKII cartridge. This was after buying a Rega P3-24 with an Elys II cartridge. Thought the Rega was very dark sounding (at least with that cartridge).

The VPI sounded unnatural to me (no midbass whatsoever). Thought it was a bad cartridge, but recently heard a Scout (with signature arm) equipped with a Dynavector cartridge. This was on a system at a retailer where I was auditioning speakers and I didn't think it sounded much different from what I have at home.

While I hate overdone midbass, I certainly miss it if it's absent. I'm wondering if I'm just not a VPI guy and should try something else - maybe a Rega (P5?) with a different cartridge...

madfloyd
madfloyd OP
411 posts
 
Well I used the Project when I had the Rega P3-24 and there was plenty of bass. I also tried the VPI with an Aesthetix Rhea and there wasn't much bass, but the Rhea wasn't functioning properly so I didn't want to mention it before.

Thanks for the tip about VPI selling the Dynavector. I'll call them on Tuesday.
sbrown
148 posts
 
Yes, can't stand'em
learsfool
1,215 posts
 
Johnnyb53, I would say that the problems you heard in the set-up you described are almost certainly due to either the amp or speakers, not the table and cartridge. I love the Rega tables, but I was very underwhelmed by their amps and speakers.

Madfloyd, I would certainly vouch for the P5/Exact 2 combo, especially if you also get the separate power supply. I am very happy with that set up.
hukkfinn
28 posts
 
Hi,
You are reporting results that are exactly backwards.

I trust your ears and what you are reporting.

But to be clear: Scoutmasters have LOADS more bass and midbass than Regas do. Regas NEVER sound dark.

You should:

1. Not buy anything more.

2. Make sure you are making no judgements at all until your cartridge has at least 20 hours on it.

3. IMPORTANT: Make sure your phono pre is set on MC, loaded at 20 ohms. If you don't like the sound, try 100 ohms. Page 2 explains how:
http://www.sumikoaudio.net/project/manuals/manual_tubeboxse.pdf

4. Print out a cartridge alignment protractor and see if yours is aligned somewhere near correctly. Here: http://mkjnovak.homestead.com/files/align.PDF

5. Put something on the headshell to weight it down. You can only do this if you have a VTF measuring device. Then re-adjust tracking force to 1.8g.

The issue of what the VPI rests on will make a difference, but not a major one. The VPI will slam you over the head with powerful bass no matter what it's on.

Let us know when you confirm no. 3 above. Thanks and good luck-
Hukk
mrmitch
359 posts
 
I've had a VPI 19 jr for years and get good but not terrific bass out of it. Having read the others' posts, I've been surprised no one has mentioned polarity. Do any of your components reverse polarity? If so, you may have to reverse your speaker cables at the speaker to compensate. Poor bass is often a sign of incorrect polarity. Just a thought, as I am far from an expert on this subject( read Clark Johnsen's material on polarity).--Mrmitch
More to discover