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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
johnbrown
195 posts
 
Axelwhahl-the Mint protractor requires you to align zenith via the canteliver-not the cart body. Of course, one should always follow that model, no matter the protractor that's being used.
axelwahl
788 posts
 
Hi Johnbrown,
you say...
>>> ... requires you to align zenith via the cantilever-not the cart body <<<

Well, yes I guess by only using the mirror from below, right?
It still can be tricky (that Jubilee's cantilever is tugged in-between two side-cheeks) and ever so often the cart body just happens to 'guide' ones (mis)judgment, YMMV.

Axel
johnbrown
195 posts
 
Axelwhahl-All true. I was just reiterating what I'm sure you know (probably better than I) that one should never use the body of the cart for alignment, no matter which plane you're aligning. For instance, I often see VTA/SRA tutors telling people to 'level the tonearm'. While that may be useful as a baseline for further adjustment, it really has only a cursory relationship to the alignment one must pay attention to-that of the stylus in the groove.
goatwuss OP
877 posts
 
Hi Guys,

I am definitely on board with aligning the cantilever, and not the cartridge body. I'm going to take a picture of the cantilever sitting on the MINT's null point.

Here is what Yip at MINT has told me about the 'tractor:

1. Mounting Distance, ie pivot to spindle distance is 223mm
2. Effective Length is 240mm
3. It is Barewald Algorithm.

I checked the mounting distance with a ruler. I don't have the skills or tools to get a super accurate measurement, but it looks like it's right on at 223mm.

My first step is going to be getting some photos of setup on the MINT, and confirming the VTF.
axelwahl
788 posts
 
Hi Goatwuss,

1. Mounting Distance, ie pivot to spindle distance is 223mm
2. Effective Length is 240mm

So overhang => 240 - 223 = 17mm.
That looks ABSOLUTLY normal.
My SME-V e.g. has 17.8mm (Ja, ja, DerTonarm will love sat to se 1/10 of se mm :-)

This should suggest to me, that this Jubilee be most all underneath your head-shell ---- and it ain't!
So wei not is se qwesion, ja?

Axel
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