2. analog
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Vector tonearm and static issue?

Hello vinyl lovers! I am trying to track down an issue that seems to be associated with my Vector Model 1. I'm hoping that you folks with more experience can help me solve this issue.

I have developed what seems to be a static discharge through my analog front end. This discharge sounds similar to a vinyl pop that we all are familiar with. I have ruled this simple answer out by re-playing the same track and no pop. Also, this discharge does occur frequently when the platter is spinning and the arm is still on the rest. I have been in contact with A.J. and he has been very helpful. At his suggestion I have verified continuity from the tip of the spindle to the end of the bearing ground wire. I have also checked for shorts between the cartridge clips and the tonearm ground wire. Still get the popping and last weekend it seemed to get even worse.

There is an upside as this forced me off my lazy butt and last Saturday I installed my Graham 2.2 with an IC-70 cable. Narry a pop since. I did make one other change and that was to mount a Glider M2 instead of the 103R that was on the Vector. I suppose I should mount the 103R on the 2.2 to rule out the possibility of something going wrong with that cartridge.

Oh, before changing arms and cartridges I also tried swapping out all of the tubes in my phono stage. Also, this does not happen with my CDP so I think I can rule out the preamp.

Is there anything else I should check? Anyone got any neat tricks to try?

TIA

Dan
dan_ed
tubes108
153 posts
 
Hey Dan. Happy you've made so much progress solving this problem. I agree with your "love for the sound produced" by the Vector. As I was a happy AirTangent owner (used 2 diff AT arms over many yrs), it took a lot to convince me to leave that platform. And the Vector's performance did that easily, and at a relatively low cost.

Ha! You are going to Basis and that enables a visit to a record store. Way to go. Get some big scores.
sirspeedy70680e509
1,064 posts
 
Tubes 108,I hope,for my dear friend's sake,that you are correct,in that it is OK to move onto another arm,after the Air Tangent.He has a fabulous sounding system,but,due to ergonomic issues,has decided to move to the VPI 12.6 arm(he hates damping).I have always been able to recognize the unique signature,a good thing,on the A.T.,and hope he will not lose the "MAGIC".I'm NOT holding my breath,though.I think he's made a mistake,but it's his set-up not mine.Best of luck!!BTW,his table is a TNT.
tubes108
153 posts
 
Hi SirSpeedy. That's interesting about your friend. Wonder what ergonomic issues would force such a move. In my case, I've heard a variety of arms in various sytems and never had a desire to move on from the AT. I loved the AT; hey some of the AT models without question are extraordinary. Then I heard the Vector and I was hooked. It really is a special piece of gear. I hope your friend does like his new arm. And if the VPI arm overcomes whatever those ergo issues were, maybe even though he'll likely give up some sonic benys of the AirTangent, he will be pleased. And that seems to be the bottom line. Best of luck to him.
dan_ed OP
2,451 posts
 
Hi Tubes108,

I'm curious to know if you are using the Vector on a Basis table, also is it a Model 3? I have heard that there is a special synergy between the vector arms and the basis tables, but I do hear from time to time from folks who use it on other tables. If you wouldn't mind another question, what cartridges have you used with it?

Wow, I've got more questions than a 4 yr old!

Hi SirSpeedy,

I just want to say to you that your prior posts regarding adjustments on the Graham 2.2 have been extremely helpful to me. I haven't quite gotten to playing with the dampening fluid level yet, but thanks to you and 4yanx I have started with the fluid perhaps a little higher than 1/3rd of the way up the square post. I used to be somewhat unimpressed with a Benz Glider I have. But since I've mated it with the 2.2 my opinion has totally changed for the better. Haven't quite got it to the level of performance of the Vector/103R but I've been tweaking that combo for a year now.
sirspeedy70680e509
1,064 posts
 
Dan ed,thanks!The Vector seems to be a great arm.I will say,with confidence,that the 2.2 can yield shockingly good results,far more so than most owners,or competitors would admit too.You have to go "Hands ON",and really learn the slight voicing options that it offers.Right now I'm set,though if I were to make a change it would likely be the Schroeder REF!!A fascinating design that I would love to hear at some point!!
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