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Graham Phantom DV XV-1s setup question

I took the plunge and moved from a DV XX2 MkII to the DV XV-1s :-) My TT is the TW Raven One. I have been playing around with the setup and currently have the loading at 100ohms, VTF 1.87gram, no anti-skate and no damping fluid.

After doing some searches read about the 2.5 tracking force option. I tried it at 2.20 grams for a couple of days and briefly at 2.50grams and it seemed to kill the dynamics. What I am experiencing now is slight thin/bright sound on some recordings, not what most people report as the character of this cartridge. Moving the VTF seems to kill the dynamics.

I've only had it now for 3 weeks, 20-30 hours. Is this the breakin character of the cartridge? is anyone using the damping fluid with this cartridge? how much if you are? Ideas? my phono stage can do 30,100,500,1000,47K.

Thanks!
128x128musichead
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
I like the XV-1s at 2.08 grams, top cartridge surface level to platter, and loaded at 200 ohms.

The XV-1t performs best as above but loaded around 500 ohms.

YMMV

Dealer disclaimer
downunder
1,329 posts
 
I am with Bill on VTF, I have my XV-1 at between 2 and 2.1gms. I load it at 100ohms.

Now onto the Phantom. You definately need damping fuild, otherwise it will take on a glassy exterior, which is what you are experiencing.

I would start off with fluid 1/3 up the shank and go from there on personal prefence. I use mine around half way up the shank
kurt_tank
1,189 posts
 
I agree with the others.
100 ohms loading and about 2.0 grams of VTF.

(Sorry, I can't help you with the Phantom though, I use a Basis Vector M3 myself.)

As far as the sound, it is the best cartridge I've owned, and easily bested the Shelter 90X as well as the Koetsu Rosewood Signature. It has a wonderfully refined and extended treble response when it is dialed in correctly, so your experience of thin and bright does not coincide with my experience at all.

Good Luck and hang in there, as the XV-1S is a wonderful cartridge.
halcro's avatar
halcro
2,664 posts
 
Agree mostly with Bill.
I like my XV1s at 1.9 gms VTF, loaded at 220 ohms. Phantom II arm level with the platter and damping fluid up to blue mark as recommended by Bob Graham.
dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
I think you'll find the XV-1s will relax quite a bit over the next 50 hours or so. It is not a bad idea to run with a heavier VTF (2-2.2) for this breakin period, and just keep the VTA neutral for now. Once it does begin to relax would be the time to experiment to find how you like to set things. I agree with others, any loading from 100-500 should work fine.
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