Kleos Sibilance

"This was a post more in response to text from 01-11-11"

Which doesn't answer the question of how resonant frequency relates to sibilance.

It also does not refute the idea of buying the cart one wants and seeing if one can make it work.

And you failed to put quotes around my remark:

"That is one way to do it. The other is to buy the cartridge you want and if it does not work ask for help. If it cannot be made to work then one must go back to the previous cart, buy something else, or replace the arm. In this case I really wanted a Delos or a Kleos. "

Robert

Debugging TT configurations remotely is difficult at best. As mentioned, the post was a response to your “unquoted” statement in the post’s body, nothing more.

As for the sibilance issue, if you still have the VPI and decide to have another go at it, I would ensure the tonearm base is securely fastened to the plinth. I would also try removing the junction box platform and securing the junction box directly to the plinth. I would also check the pivot point the tonearm balances on to ensure it’s not bent from tonearm wand removal or cart adjustments. Is your plinth firmly resting on all four feet without a slight wobble?

These are some areas I thought of while composing this post that I would look at in addition to just focusing on the cartridge.

Hope the new TT is what you are looking for.

"As for the sibilance issue, if you still have the VPI and decide to have another go at it, I would ensure the tonearm base is securely fastened to the plinth. I would also try removing the junction box platform and securing the junction box directly to the plinth. I would also check the pivot point the tonearm balances on to ensure it’s not bent from tonearm wand removal or cart adjustments. Is your plinth firmly resting on all four feet without a slight wobble?"

Sounds like good ideas. I really don't want to spend anymore time on the VPI but since my Sota is not here yet I may look at those items this weekend.

And since I do not have the Sota yet, anybody know of a NEW or maybe Audiogon used cart in the $300 range that works well on the 9 sig? I prefer non harsh highs (but my old ears need highs) and full mids. Not that interested in massive detail. Will a 103R work? I have a GCPH so I can use just about any MC or MM/MI.

I have my previous generation Grado Reference Platinum mounted but it has indistinct bass and is not very involving. It's a real problem listening to anything less after hearing the Kleos. I suspect some carts may not work well with the Valhalla wiring in the 9 sig, in addition to matching the arm.

Thanks,
Robert

Dear Robert:

If you seriously suspect that something is wrong with your Kleos (rather than setup or component matching), feel free to send it back to us via your dealer and we will be happy to have a look at it.

We don't claim to be perfect, but we always do our best, and if there are manufacturing defects with any of our products, we will take care of them.

regards, jonathan carr

"We don't claim to be perfect, but we always do our best, and if there are manufacturing defects with any of our products, we will take care of them."

Thanks and good to hear from you.

You may not have read the whole thread, I have a refurb Sota Star with a SME 309 on order. I have sent the Kleos to Sota for mounting on the new rig. Other than the sibilance, I really think the Kleos is wonderful. Since Fremer tested the Kleos in a 309 and pointed out clean sibilants, I suspect the new setup will be quite nice.

In my last post I was trying to get someone here to give me a suggestion on a cheap cart that will work in the 9 sig so I have something decent to listen to until the Sota arrives.

Congrats on the new design and it's acceptance.

Thanks,
Robert