VPI SSM lacking bite

Stanwal

Thanks for your response - the support that I'm using is a Clearlight RDC rack, which is sitting on Finite Elemente Cerabase's (rather than the RDC cones that ship with the rack). The Roksan was sitting directly on Cerabases, so perhaps I should try a set of these rather than the TNT mini-feet? All of my hifi components sit on an isolated island in the flooring, which has concrete beneath it, with the speakers etc. outside of this - so the components are free from foot fall and bass energy.

I should also mention another factor that's changed between decks, which is r the mains. I previously had PS Audio 600 in the system, but that also went phut just before the SSM came in - with that and the Insider, I couldn't believe my luck. The distributor in the UK couldn't have been less helpful - he was only interested is selling me a Powerplant Premier, and shipping a 50 kilo box back from the UK to US for repair would be prohibitively expensive. So, as a firm believer in regenerated mains, I'll probably buy an ISOL-8 unit, which is probably better anyway.

When I first put the PS into the system about 6 years it certainly added good definition - so I'm sure that this is playing a part, but I can't help but think that the VPI 9" Sig arm has lower performance to the Artemiz and therefore the the main culprit.

Lastly, I should add that I'm not using the antiskate device, which is so heavy-handed it won't even allow tracking of some records, and I'm also not using any damping fluid (which is the last thing that I need... ).

Thanks.

Yeah, your AC stuff could definitely impact the sound. It sounds like you are on the right track. After you get a handle on AC and the footer issues, spend plenty of time dialing in VTA. It really matters a bunch, and affects exactly your concerns. Cheers,

Spencer

>>I can't help but think that the VPI 9" Sig arm has lower performance to the Artemiz and therefore the the main culprit.<<

You got it.

The JMW-9 quite simply is an ordinary tonearm, Valhalla wire notwithstanding.

You took a step down.

Is it easy to put a phantom on a scoutmaster?

Lack of bite and softened transients are part of the problem with my SSM setup, I'm still in the process of figuring out the problem. I've worked on isolation and modding phono pre to this point, still not where I want it.

Others claim these problems are not inherent to VPI, I've not come to any conclusions on this. I think an arm upgrade would be very revealing, go for the Graham and let us know your results.