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New analog system disappoints, please help

Hi,

I recently decided to get back into analog after a long break. Being on a budget I bought a used system from a local seller. The system consists of a J A Michell Gyro SE with DC motor, SME 309 tonearm and Transfiguration Spirit cart. I also bought a new old stock, factory sealed Plinius Jarrah phono stage. The Gyro, 309 and spirit where all purchased new in 2002 from a L.A. area high-end dealer and set up for the original owner in his home. They have remained there undisturbed and virtually unused since (maybe 15 to 20 hours total use)

After getting it all home I set up the turntable on a carefully leveled rack and tried the bounce test for the suspension. What I got was more like the Jello jiggle than a nice verticle bounce. I followed the instructions I found online for adjusting the suspension (several times) and although not perfect the bounce is much better. I have not touched the tonearm/cart alignment as I know little about this. I left the Jarrah set to factory default high output and adjusted the loading to 100ohms (recomended for the spirit)

After a 24hr burn in for the Jarrah I started to listen to some LP's. The sound is not bad, there is nothing obviously wrong but it sounds slightly recessed, flat and lifeless. I guess I was expecting more even from a relatively modest system like this. It doesn't "blow away" my digital source.

The rest of my system consist of Art Audio VPS DM pre, Art Audio Diavolo amp, Lector CDP-7T-MKIII and Spendor sp100 speakers. Cables are a mix of Nordost Valkyra and Quattro fil.

Any suggestions, incite or setup help would be greatly appreciated.

Emilio
emiliop
sidssp
1,077 posts
 
What kind of music do you listen to? If you listen to R&R, CD may actually sound better.
lsilver507
11 posts
 
swap thE leads on back of speakers red and black i had same problem cd to vinyl louis
piedpiper
753 posts
 
polarity is not generally consistent enough to warrant thinking of one orientation as always better, or, arguably, even usually better.
flyingred
139 posts
 
If you can vary the cartridge loading on your phono stage then try progressively higher loadings. You will find that gives you more air and sparkle - that should all be there from vinyl (compared to CD).

I would agree with Patrick that you should try raising the arm pivot slightly - this generally increases HF output (at the expense of the lower octaves).

Have you got a stylus force gauge? If so check the VTF - often a dull, uninspiring sound results from too high a tracking force. Generally, set your VTF at the minimum recommended by the manufacturer and increase it gradually if you encounter mistracking (distortion).

Dull and lifeless can sometimes happen because the belt is shot - try replacing it. Also, did you check the bearing oil? - too heavy viscosity (or not warmed up) will have an effect on the sound. Leave the table running for a few days and see if that makes a difference.
emiliop OP
14 posts
 
Thank you for all your suggestions. I haven't heard back from Plinius yet but the US distributer says the factory default "high gain" setting is correct for a low output MC. I have tried loadings from 47 ohm to 1000 ohms but will leave it at the 100 ohm setting recomended by the cart manufacturer for now. I know I have a long way to go and a lot to learn. I will probably just listen for a while, get me a set of proper tools and try to find books and other reading material that will help me learn the basics of turntable/tonearm/cartridge setup. I will also try to locate an audio club in my area (Inland Empire area of So. California) and learn from other members.
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