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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
syntax's avatar
syntax
2,193 posts
 
In our High End world there is a Theory for everything. Later you see, what was really right and what is (was) more or less a mistake.
"Fluxbusting" is a typical High End result.
Of course you will find an exception for everything, but in general the Degauss makes the Permanent Magnets weak after several times of use. We noticed, that the cartridge needs "this" in always shorter periods (like a junkie), the Dynamic ability is reduced time after time, the magnetic field is getting more and more weak.
A real no-go (for me).
There are some exceptions, when some magnets are covered with dust which contains some metal parts, here it can help.
In Germany (or some other countries) some companies "refurbish" old magnets from speakers, they reactivate their magnets to full, new specs. this is not cheap. Maybe they are doing something wrong.
myles_b_astor's avatar
myles_b_astor
134 posts
 
Well have never experienced anything but improved sound with fluxing with my Lyras. If you're skittish, what about George Cardas' test LP that supposedly can fluxbust the cartridge too?
syntax's avatar
syntax
2,193 posts
 
Honestly, I forgot that. I have the Cardas record, too, but can't remember when I used it the last time. I used it a few times at my "Fluxbusting-Time", but I guess, this chapter wasn't really important for me.
musichead's avatar
musichead OP
94 posts
 
Quick update, my MintLP arrived last week and went through the process of aligning the cartridge. Shocked to find out the Graham tools aren't 100% accurate. Had to adjust the placement of the arm slightly as well as the cartridge. Everything snapped into place sonically. With a more correct alignment the VTF and Azimuth adjustments were a snap and sonically very obvious. I was surprised how much the Azimuth impacted the sound. The XV-1s is stunning!
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Shocked to find out the Graham tools aren't 100% accurate.
Heh. I've never used the headshell jig when setting up Graham arms. Even before the Mint arrived on the scene I got superior results with on-platter protractors. The jig is quick, easy and idiot-proof, but given its self-evident limitations it was never particularly accurate.

Of course nothing is 100%, especially in vinyl, but the Mint gets us all orders of magnitude closer. Glad to hear you're enjoying fresh music!
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