2. analog
  3. 1268434839

Ortofon MC A90 Cartridge VTF

I just spent the weekend at mikelavigne's where we did a comparison with three turntables all using the same Ortofon MC A90 cartridges. We had the cartridges setup at the recommended VTF and they did not all have the same amount of break-in time on them. I decided to see what would happen when we lightened the cartridges up.

We started on the first table and the weight was about 2.25. We lessened the weight until I thought that the sound really locked in. By the time we were done on the first turntable, the VTF was at around 1.56. When we did the second table we got the weight all the way down to 1.92. On the third table it ended up best at about 2.01.

All parties (myself, Mike and Steve) agreed that lightening up the carts really opened things up quite a bit without loss of bass. The inner detail and delicacy inreased as did speed and dynamics.

I called Ortofon and am awaiting a response but I was wondering if those of you who own this cartridge have gone outside the recommended range and if you could share your experiences.

There is more to read about this if you want under mikelavigne's system thread.
jtinn
nandric's avatar
nandric
4,086 posts
 
I am,like Miek,not an 'technical guy' but I like to think that I am an careful reader. So I have read J.Carrs post
regarding his new Lyra cart and what he was at with this
cart. Ie the centering of the coils within 'exact limits'.
I also observed this remarcable spec. of Allaerts MC2 Formula 1. Ie: stylus pressure 1,8 gr (MAX TOLERANCE 0,05 gr.). Remarcable because this pressuposes some extrordinary
'absorber' with nearly 'invarible qualitys'. Then I have read Rauls info regarding the answer from Ortofon. Those
'storys' are all consistent with each other. But we have
also Mikes story with 1,56 gr. in the Reed 2P with obvious
'deviation' from what one should expect. So to my mind all
4 storys can't be all true. Ie 'something' must be wrong
but I am not the person to resolve the issue.
Regards,
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Nandric, I think your point is well taken. On my Shindo Labs cartridge there is no tolerance from the 2.85 gr. recommendation, but this is an entire system for vinyl.

I have certainly played with tracking weight in the past, in particular with Decca cartridges, but usually VTA is the main focus of setting up the cartridge once the overhang is properly set.

I should say that the people involved in this experiment are quite reputable and that Jtinn's room at THE Show with this cartridge sounded excellent.

Being a doubting thomas, I will soon be able to replicate their efforts to my own satisfaction.
smoffatt
205 posts
 
Anyone out there using the A90 with a Graham Phantom II ??

What VTF are you finally locked in at ?

What VTA/SRA are you set at ? Parallel, or lower/higher at the back ?

Just received my A90 #225 in Canada today.

Thanks
jsawhitlock
302 posts
 
Smoffatt......I'm running the A90 on the Phantom II and have around 80 hours so far, I'm liking 2.15-2.18 vtf with just a slight tail high so far. Once I hit the 200 hour mark I will revisit different settings.....#206

Dealer disclaimer
downunder
1,329 posts
 
I am running a Phantom 1 and i am back to around 2.3 gms and just above parallel.

the amount of damping in the Phantom has the biggest effect on the sound.

cheers
More to discover