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Graham and Shelter matching - and other arms/carts

When you get a component that truly lifts your system up and reveals what's going on everywhere else, you learn things about your system that you hadn't realized before. My new Io Sig has shown me that I probably need a better linestage (I posted about this in Amps/Preamps), and it's also taught me something about arm/cart matching.

Now that the Io is in the system, I am hearing an unhappy balance between my Graham 2.2 tonearm and Shelter 901 cartridge. There's a tubby bass resonance that sounds to me like the Shelter cantilever feeding back into the unipivot arm structure. The outriggers on the Graham are supposed to minimize this effect, but perhaps the match just simply isn't made in heaven.

Instead, my Ortofon RS-212 tonearm, matched with Ortofon SPU Classic GM cart, is sounding much more balanced, real and musical.

That leaves me with the question of what to do with my Graham and Shelter. I'd like to have a "modern" arm/cart combo to compare with the classic Ortofon setup (I currently have 3 arms mounted on my table). My third arm is an Origin Live modified RB250, which currently has a Denon 103R mounted on it (probably not the perfect matchup either). The Shelter doesn't sound fantastic in the Rega - it's better in the Graham.

I do like the Shelter sound a lot, so I could buy an arm that's a more appropriate match for it, a Moerch perhaps. But I'd have to sell the Graham to afford that, and I kind of want to keep a unipivot.

Any recommendations for exchanging the Shelter and Denon for carts more appropriate for the Rega and Graham, or vice-versa?
patrickamory
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
David,
Yeah I heard about that. I also heard the rumor that it's removable because you can't actually play the arm with it attached. Kinda useless if true. Fortunately I know someone developing a VTA-on-the-fly adjuster. He can make it for a Vector, a Rega-style arm and probably others. I don't know the cost but I'm expecting WAY less than $700. I'll be seeing a prototype later this month.

Still wondering about fine-tuning VTF on the Vector though. Moving the C/W just won't cut it for us. I can imagine a mod that might work pretty well but wondered if a real-world user had discovered anything.
rauliruegas
13,129 posts
 
Hi Dickson: I own the Ikeda 9REX. Wich your's?.
Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
dickson
30 posts
 
Doug,

I am using one Vector on an Oracle Delphi Mk V and the other I was going to try on a Teres 255 but I have not received the armboard from Chris yet. I am in the process of purchasing a used Basis 2800. I guess the Vector will function the best in this TT.

No it is not easy to adjust VTF on the Vector. Certainly the Graham is a lot easier, although A. J Conti has some tuning weights which may make minor adjustments easier. I have not received these yet but I will gives these a try when I get them.

BTW the Vector has a lateral thrust bearing as well as the silicone oil well to provide lateral stability. When I look at the bearing design it is a master piece of engineering to provide excellent lateral stability and damping and hence superb tracking.
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Thanks, Dickson.

The bearing design of the Vector (as best I can picture it from written descriptions) sounds like a great piece of engineering. I've always thought it would mate well with a 901 or similar cartridges. Your experience seems to confirm that.

I'd love to try a Vector on my Teres, but we have one or two other upgrades to do first. Let us know how it works on your 255 when you receive the armboard. (Waiting for this hand-made stuff is torture, but so worth it.)

VTF tuning weights? Why not? We use a swivelling paper clip, but that might spoil the look of that nice Basis. On an OL Silver it fits right in!

Next time you talk to Chris about the Vector armboard ask him about VTA adjustment. He may be able to help.
dickson
30 posts
 
Hi Raul,

I am also using an Ikeda 9 Rex. What tonearm are you using this on? Also what VTF are you using?

Doug, when I spoke to Chris about an armboard he informed me about what he is working on and that is why I am still waiting for the armboard.
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