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Re: Member's Cartridge Settings Database

PostPosted: Thu Sep 04, 2014 8:52 pm
by zenaudio
darkest_error wrote: Btw, I'm also interested on the twist wire antiskate..was it a DIY add-on? :?:

No, it's the "stock" method uniquely used by the VPI Scout. By adjusting the coil/twist of the lead out wire that connects the unipivot arm to the junction box, apparently you can get some kind of anti-skate. I find minimal "anti-skate" works fine for me. :)

Re: Member's Cartridge Settings Database

PostPosted: Fri Sep 05, 2014 1:30 pm
by darkest_error
Alright, thought it was a diy antiskate. I would like to encourage those who have not yet posted their cart settings to post it here as others may be looking for different ways to tweak their setup and wants to start by basing it from experiences of others.

Re: Member's Cartridge Settings Database

PostPosted: Fri Sep 05, 2014 3:16 pm
by Jon Agner
Its been 8 years na pala since the last time I posted my cart settings here:

Cartridge - Modified DL-103 with an Ebony Shell
Tonearm - DIY 14.5 inch Kamagong Unipivot tonearm
VTF - 2.75 gm
Head down (still have to determine exact rake angle)
Anti-Skate - Not Applicable

Cartridge - Koetsu Rosewood Standard
Tonearm - DIY 14.5 inch Kamagong Unipivot tonearm
VTF - 2.0 gm
Tail Down
Anti-Skate - Not Applicable

Re: Member's Cartridge Settings Database

PostPosted: Sun Sep 07, 2014 12:36 pm
by darkest_error
Nice.. DIY's of Sir Jon. Tailing down really improved the sound, better channel separation and image plus modifying the capacitance loading value beyond manufacturer's recommendation. I used 270pF instead of the 400-500pF recommendation of the M44-7 without experiencing annoying sibilances. By theory, increasing the loading cap tend to cut down some highs making the sound a bit muddy. How about you guys, have you tried modifying your loading cap values? Also had the same observation?

Re: Member's Cartridge Settings Database

PostPosted: Sun Sep 07, 2014 1:36 pm
by Jon Agner
darkest_error wrote:Nice.. DIY's of Sir Jon. Tailing down really improved the sound, better channel separation and image plus modifying the capacitance loading value beyond manufacturer's recommendation. I used 270pF instead of the 400-500pF recommendation of the M44-7 without experiencing annoying sibilances. By theory, increasing the loading cap tend to cut down some highs making the sound a bit muddy. How about you guys, have you tried modifying your loading cap values? Also had the same observation?


Its all about the stylus rake angle, and each type of cartridge has its own SRA. Thus, notice that even if I use the same tonearm, when I use the Koetsu, its tail down, but when I use the Denon, its a tail up.

As for the loading, yes, I did play around with the loading years back when I was still using MM Carts. Some carts like their loading high, some low. I remember my loading for the Grado was at 10K and 100 Pf. While it may be an exact science, the table computation just serves as the baseline, and final tweaking is still done by ear.

There's a discussion here regarding loading. :)

Re: Member's Cartridge Settings Database

PostPosted: Thu Sep 18, 2014 12:53 pm
by darkest_error
Although I already posted my settings, just last night I tried setting up my stagnant Shure M91ED and fitted it with an original N55E improved. SRA increased because of the tilt of the M91ED body.

Tonearm: Garrard TPA-12 stock arm
Cap: 270pF
VTF: 2 grams
Cart: M91ED
Needle: N55E improved

Warm, lesser sibilance and IGD. Channel Separation is amazing considering I'm not using a high end cart-needle combi. The cymbals never sounded harsh but was THERE.

Re: Member's Cartridge Settings Database

PostPosted: Tue Jul 17, 2018 1:40 pm
by Jazzmanoy
Up to this thread which I find very informative. Mine goes...

Cartridge: Shelter 201
Tonearm : SME 3009 S2 Improved w/Jelco HS25 headshell
Load : 47K
VTF : 1.8 grm
VTA : Slightly tail down
Anti Skate: Neutral

Cartridge: AT 440MLa
Tonearm : SME 3009 S2 Improved w/Jelco HS50 headshell
Load : 32K
VTF : 1.6
VTA : Neutal
Anti Skate: Neutral

Alignment tool: Technics Baerwald Arc Protractor downloaded from net
Phono Preamp : Project Tube Box DS

Re: Member's Cartridge Settings Database

PostPosted: Tue Jul 17, 2018 8:42 pm
by zenaudio
Nagaoka MP-110 on a Technics 1200 mkii using an Ortofon SH-4 headshell, 52 mm overhang
VTF 1.8g
anti-skate 1.8
VTA: arm level
built-in phono stage of LSA Standard Int Amp
- specs at 47k ohms, measurements up to 97k ohms
- gain at 38 dB https://www.stereophile.com/content/dk-designs-vs1-reference-mkiii-integrated-amplifier-measurements

Re: Member's Cartridge Settings Database

PostPosted: Thu Jul 19, 2018 12:44 pm
by the porcupine
Rega Elys2 on a Rega Planar 3/RB330 tonearm

VTF: 1.75g
Anti-skate: approx. 1.4~1.5
VTA: stock
Alignment: Rega 3-screw alignment
Phono Preamp: Rega A2D Fono Mini