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Cartridge set up questions - Spacedeck / Space arm

I have recently obtain a used Spacedeck and Space arm setup. They are the older version. The space arm is the carbon fiber version which is a version older than the latest Ace Space arm.

I have encoutered two problems during set up.

1) The cartridge is too light or the counter weight is too heavy. With the cart installed at end of the head shell, the VTF is fail to meet the required VTF of 1.5 to 1.9 gram.

I had to put a small piece of blu tak on the headshell to provide the correct VTF. Is this normal or did i do something wrong?

2)The left channel is about 3 db louder when playing pink noise. The balance is perfect when playing cd. Again, did I do something wrong?

Please help.
kentchai
lugnut
1,190 posts
 
"With the cart installed at end of the head shell, the VTF is fail to meet the required VTF of 1.5 to 1.9 gram."

I doubt that the cartridge is set to its null points as you've described above. I understand what it is you are trying to do however. There are accessory weights usually available that mount between the headshell and cartridge to solve the balancing problem. You might want to disclose the cartridge you are using and perhaps the community will respond with a vendor for the weight. Then, use the proper setup tools to install the cartridge for correct overhang, etc. Good luck.
4yanx
1,576 posts
 
There is quite a wide range of VTF adjustment on that Spacearm. I find it difficult to fathom a modern cartridge which would not work in that respect. There is, of course, a brass cylinder within a black semi-sleeve just behind the arm pivot. This cylinder slides fore and aft such that VTF is adjusted. Are you SURE that you made this adjustment?

The other could well be an azimuth or alignment issue. As Patrick has indicated, the disclosure of your cartidge would be helpful.
4yanx
1,576 posts
 
Upon reflection, your 3db difference is likely alignment and not azimuth. How did you determine the 3dB difference? I am MOST interested in why you cannot achieve proper VTF. This seems wholly implausible.
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