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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
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!!
tubes108
153 posts
 
Hey Dan_ed
Yo; questions are a good thing ask away.

The AirTangent required a very stable turntable. The Basis Debut filled that requirement perfectly with its very effective oil-damped spring suspension. Another benefit of this suspension is that the Debut does not require the use of a fancy or expensive stand to place the 'table on. I have since upgraded to the Debut Vacuum.

My Vector is either a Model 1 or 2. I used a ZYX cartridge, the AQ 7000, and the Benz LP.

Per the synergy you ask about, I have no experience with the Vector on a non-Basis 'table. Though I think the Vector would be an excellent choice on any quality turntable. It is not as though the Vector has certain colorations which require it to be matched with a 'table that is compatible with those colorations. Of course, if one is in the mood to upgrade, it certainly is a bummer that it is difficult to plug and play arms and cartridges into one's system. Hey, how many cartridges will your dealer loan you to eval?
dan_ed OP
2,451 posts
 
I completely agree with your assessment of the stability of the Basis tables. And the extra mass in the platters and plinths really makes a huge difference in performance. Even the 2001 I used to own seemed to be very tolerant of what it was sitting on.

I'm finding that I really enjoy fiddling with different tonearms and cartridges almost as much as I enjoy the music, but that could be that this is just the eagerness of the uneducated. May wear off someday. The Vector is great in that in provides, IMO, outstanding performance and it is not really a finicky arm to set up and use. For those who like to "set and forget" it may be the perfect tonearm. At the same time if you are willing to mess with the setup you can be rewarded. I have found that I prefer the Vector with less dampening oil than the Basis instructions indicate. I've filled the bath just enough to contact the entire underside of the pivot. Could be compensating for a short-coming in the 103R.

Like I mentioned before, I'm ready to move up the line cartridge wise. Expecially if I can't get this popping issue remedied. Zyx, Shelter and Benz are on my short list. Alas, the local dealer does not carry these, but I might work out demo of a Clearaudio cartridge. I'm leary of going back because the last time I tried to do business with them it took 6 months to get an IC-70 cable from Graham. Fortunately, Bob Graham took care of this for me very soon after contacting him. Bob is another one of the really great guys in the audio world.

I asked about synergy only because if I decide in the future to go to a 3 arm table then I don't think I could get that in a Basis. I know they have a two arm table. I might be able to get A.J. to modify one, but that would probably not be cost effective. On the other hand, I'd like to try a non-suspended table as well. I realize that this design requires a bit more effort regarding a stand but there are lots of good ideas out there for DIY solutions.
tubes108
153 posts
 
Dan_ed, sounds like you are having a damn good time--way to go. Enjoy!
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