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VPI, Graham, Koetsu advice please

Hopefully there are some experienced agoners out there that can help me figure this out. I use a Well Tempered Amadeus/ Lyra Kleos / Bob's devices step up / Lamm Lp2 - that finally, after many years, betters my modest digital side (Bob's Devices step up did the trick).

Through an unfortunate event, I now also have a VPI TNT 3.5 with Graham 2.2 arm and Koetsu Rosewood Signature and SDS. I set this all up last night and the VPI is dead silent compared with the well tempered's v low yet audible rumble between tracks. But, compared to the Amadeus/Lyra on actual music tracks, the VPI is comes across veiled, a bit congested, plodding, with no bass and no sparkle. And, please know overall I lean towards that tube sound (SET 211, etc).

Both are running thru Bob's SUT and then into a Lamm LP2. The only other difference is the Kimber TAK-H IC between the Amadeus and Bob's vs the hard wired Hovland IC from the Graham to Bob's.

What's going on here? I expected the TNT beast and lush Koetsu to destroy the Amadeus/Lyra. What would be your expectations? Before I move the Lyra onto the VPI, I thought I'd ask you all for suggestions. Thank you
poonbean
zd542
5,339 posts
 
Depending on how much the Koetsu was used, it may not be fully broken in. I would also remove the SUT from the system and see if that helps.
bpoletti
1,557 posts
 
It could be a mismatch between the SUT and the Koetsu.
bill_k
926 posts
 
I would bet that Bpoletti is correct and that there is a loading issue or mismatch with your SUT. Suggest that you contact Bob's Devices for their guidance to hopefully resolve the issue.
poonbean OP
45 posts
 
Thanks for the input. I know the Koetsu has plenty of hours on it, so break-in is not the issue. The prior owner had a plethora of set up devices from the typical guides, to a fozgometer, wally tools, digital microscope for setting SRA, etc etc - so I've assumed it's more than spot on, but then again... I'll take out the SUT and see what happens, and I'll also contact Bob. If anything comes to light, I'll post it. Cheers.
bpoletti
1,557 posts
 
Poonbean, if you're just having no end of problems with the Koetsu, I'd take it off your hands.

All kidding aside, I could test it in a similar but different rig. Original Aries (Extended) with JMW-12, but into a Herron VTPH-2. No SUT. I am VERY familiar with the characteristics of a Koetsu and could check to see if there are performance problems.
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