???Cartridge break in???

Yes, there is a break-in period on cartridges. There are also some adjustments, such as VTA that are required when you change cartridges. Play it for about 20 hours, and then adjust the VTA by ear. You can start out with the VTA adjusted so that the tonearm is level with the record surface while it is playing. Then adjust by tonal balance by lowering the pivot end of the arm to increase bass, and raising to decrease bass, in very very small increments. Once you get a tonal balance that is close, you can very slightly adjust it to place the surface noise out of the plane of the music.

twl's responce is definitely true and good advive. I would also add that what you desribe is as perfect and accurate desciption af the vta being too high as I could imagine. It is also what some cartridges sound like as they break in. Cartridges vary as to their sonic characteristics as they break in but they all change, and therefore also require some readjustment. (the suspension has to loosen up). 20 hours is a good # where most cartridges will change the most drastically, twl knows more cartridges than I do, and I would add that it would'nt hurt to go ahead and do a vta adjustment now so you can get more enjoyment out of it while it breaks in, just so long as you don't make yourself crazy chasing adjustments that are changing while it breaks in.

Above, all true. While I have seen quite a number of folks recommend the Dynavector with the Spacearm, I find them inherently on the bright side of neutral. 30 minutes is not long enough a time on which to base an opinion, though.

I suggest that 50 hours is about right for most modern cartridges. Sorry but that's the way it goes. Also VTA comments are right on.

I suggest this, make certain that the cartrige is parallel in ALL axis to the vinyl surface. I.e. asmiath (I know it's not spelled right. That is head shell adjustment so the cartrige i parallel, you can rotate it a bit. Use a mirror to assure alignment, then for VTA start with the arm tube parallel to the record. I suggest that you try moving down just a hair and listen. If thats not it go a little the other way. It will lock in the soundstage when it's right. Also listen for surface noise. Back end of the cartridge down will lessen surface noise and make for a slightly darker duller sound when you've gone too far. On the other end when it's too high it will sound shrill and surface noise will be very evident. Assuming your records are in good shape. A bad record is a bad record.

If you don't have VTA adjustment, then shim the base of the arm. Get a shim pack. It's a pain but worth it.

jeff