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Killing sibilance distortion - VPI & Jubilee

Hello,

Along with what others have posted in the recent past, I also have a long running case of nasty distortion on sibilants with my vinyl playback. It is worse in the inner grooves.

To build on some other recent threads about this topic, I ordered a MFSL that is supposed to be a good test for mistracking. I have made a recording clip of my playback playing some of the last track on Side 2.

I have the recording on this link:

Playback Recording

If you take a look at that, we can all be on the same page with what exactly is going on.

The setup is a VPI Scoutmaster table, JMW9 sig arm, Ortofon Jubilee cartridge. The table is leveled on a Salamander Archetype rack. VTA is set with the arm parallel. VTF is set to 2.4g. Alignment is setup with the MINT arc protractor, 10x magnification. The VPI mechanical Anti-Skate is being used, with the lighter rubber washers. Azimuth is level by means of the "VPI straw trick" (a straw in a groove on the headshell).

Is there anyone that can point me in the right direction to fix that sibilance distortion you're hearing on the recording?

I've tried quite a few things, including different cartridges, and VTF, VTA and antiskate settings, but the sibilance is always there.

Here are some photos of my setup:

Cartridge Closeup

Aligning with the MINT

Thanks for reading
by Goatwuss
goatwuss
narrod
1,064 posts
 
The MintLP has an excellent reputation. In my experience you have an alignment issue. If you are confident that you have aligned it properly it may be that the geometry of the protractor is simply wrong.
axelwahl
788 posts
 
Hello Goatwuss,
my man you get 10 out of 10 for your error report!!!!

My broad-band sux, but I know that track like the back of my hand ---- and I share your problem.
A bit of a repeat story, (must have waited for your animated picture story :-)

First thing I note is the over-hang. That Jubilee is 'hanging out of the bus' like crazy! Jubilees as Windfelds and other carts of that construction have a 3 point base on top, your front point must be hanging in their by one Micron, or less!
That just can NOT be right at all!

You are using a MINT protractor, and as I recall it is using some rather different geometry than the original VPI likes to use --- that to me explains that overhang issue.

To bring it more back in line with what I'd expect, is the VPI original idea. I guess this will not change your sibilant issue but it would be my point of departure, YMMV. That cart is mounted wrong, period.

Also as Narrod says:
>>> If you are confident that you have aligned it properly it may be that the geometry of the protractor is simply wrong. <<<

I fully underwrite that statement. So back to basics, that protector is not for THAT arm, can't be if you done all else to spec. as also the stylus to mounting hole distance is pretty close to 'IEC spec.' on those Ortofon carts, i.e. 9.5mm.

Greetings,
Axel
goatwuss OP
877 posts
 
Hi guys, thanks for the notes so far!!

The one thing I realized is that the photo may have been taken before the alignment was finalized! I will take another tonight and add it to the thread.
axelwahl
788 posts
 
Hi Goatwuss.
one more thing for you to know here: That track in one of Dougdeacon's **specials** (there are of course some even more critical ones in his arsenal. I have one, SXL 2248).

He says it took him years and $$$$ to get it COMPLETELY sorted,so take courage!
If you get that one right, you'll have climbed one 'analogue mountain' :-)
Axel
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