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What happened?

I recently added new speakers, (Kharma 3.2's) to my system, and for the last 3 weeks have been in audio heaven. Whatever I played, either LP or CD sounded great. I found myself listening to things that I haven't played in years. This weekend, I sat down for a nice long listen, put in a CD and all was well. I put an LP on and the sound was horrible - thin, and bright. Nothing had changed, and as I said the CD sounded as it always had. So the problem has to be in the phono stage - built in MM in Hovland HP-100 preamp - or the cartridge - Clearuadio Virtuoso wood MM. When a cartridge goes is this what happens? It is only about 9 months old, with no more than 1000 hours on it.
Just when everything had finally come together.
Rest of system:
CAT-JL2 amplifier
Hovland HP-100 preamp
Accuphase DP-75V CD player
Kharma 3.2 ceramique speakers
Basis 2001 w/ Graham 2.2 and Clearaudio Virtuoso wood MM cartridge.
Any thoughts are greatly appreciated
Carl
128x128czapp
pehare's avatar
pehare
835 posts
 
I'm experiencing the same thing in Florida, however I attribute it to breaking in a new pair of Thiel CS 2.4's (with about 150 hrs. so far). At times I think they are the best thing I've ever heard & at other times it is so fatiguing it runs me out of the room. I hope more hours will take care of this....associated gear:
Pass X250
Pass X2 pre
Cary 306/200
Golden Cross XLR interconnects
Neutral Ref spkr cables (soon to be Golden Cross)

any ideas?
edle
235 posts
 
I think it is the tube problem in the preamp or caused by a dieing cartridge.........
fefer77
37 posts
 
Have you checked your VTA ?
czapp's avatar
czapp OP
126 posts
 
Hello All
Thank you for your responses. The most confusing thing here is the enormous difference between CD and LP playback. CD's sound as they always have - rich and full bodied. I am borrowing a phono stage from a friend so that I can determine if the Hovland is the problem.
If that doesn't work, then I know it is the cartridge. Tim -
I will check the ceramic drivers as soon as I get home.That is a scarey thought. Feffer - the VTA hadn't changed from the position it was in. I did try to play with it, but I could not restore body and weight to the sound I was getting. The drivers have about 100 hours on them.
I know they are far from being broken in, but I do think this is a different problem.
Thanks again for all your suggestions
Carl
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