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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
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!
dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
I also am surprised the setup with the jig was apparently that far off. I'd never expect it to match what the MintLP can facilitate, but it seems like it should have been better that what was reported. Anyway, glad it is strutting for you now.
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