2. analog
  3. 1245595534

Killing sibilance distortion - VPI & Jubilee

Hello,

Along with what others have posted in the recent past, I also have a long running case of nasty distortion on sibilants with my vinyl playback. It is worse in the inner grooves.

To build on some other recent threads about this topic, I ordered a MFSL that is supposed to be a good test for mistracking. I have made a recording clip of my playback playing some of the last track on Side 2.

I have the recording on this link:

Playback Recording

If you take a look at that, we can all be on the same page with what exactly is going on.

The setup is a VPI Scoutmaster table, JMW9 sig arm, Ortofon Jubilee cartridge. The table is leveled on a Salamander Archetype rack. VTA is set with the arm parallel. VTF is set to 2.4g. Alignment is setup with the MINT arc protractor, 10x magnification. The VPI mechanical Anti-Skate is being used, with the lighter rubber washers. Azimuth is level by means of the "VPI straw trick" (a straw in a groove on the headshell).

Is there anyone that can point me in the right direction to fix that sibilance distortion you're hearing on the recording?

I've tried quite a few things, including different cartridges, and VTF, VTA and antiskate settings, but the sibilance is always there.

Here are some photos of my setup:

Cartridge Closeup

Aligning with the MINT

Thanks for reading
by Goatwuss
goatwuss
iaxelrod
10 posts
 
Hi Goatwuss,

I've had the same issues with a brand new Ortofon Windfeld, and on a totally different TT and arm combination!
I've tried EVERYTHING! like you have - and the distortion did not go away (on almost every LP, towards the inner grooves the distortion reappeared, I thought I was going NUTS!)
Before the Windfeld I've had an AT33PTG - and it was an AMAZING cartridge - but I wanted to upgrade, to "learn" what's out there...
In the end, I've decided to sell the Windfeld so I've bought a Koetsu Rosewood - and I'm totally in LOVE with it! No distortion at all!
goatwuss OP
875 posts
 
Hi All,

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences once more!

Doug - a minor clarification, the AT33PTG is actually a MC cartridge. Also, can you clarify in what way you feel the recording with this cart sounds dull and slow? Frankly, other than the sibilance distortion, I strain to hear the differences between these cartridges!

JDaniel - Good to know that the XX2 is a good match with a VPI table!

Iaxelrod - What TT and arm were you using with the Windfeld? Do you find that the Koetsu is not neutral enough, or not dynamic enough?
tzh21y
1,377 posts
 
This is great thread. Now I feel better. After reading this, I might sell my table and stick to CDs. All in all it comes down to one thing. Cartridge/arm compatibilty and about 15 grand for the front end and phono pre. Maybe the Rega is a good table for the money. Cds are so much easier and they are getting so much better. I was actually thinking the Jubilee sounded pretty good compared to what I encounter when I play that Alison Kraus track. The Jubilee is not cheap either. Geez. What a nightmare. Analog is not for someone with limited funds, that is what I learned today.
waltroman's avatar
waltroman
12 posts
 
I happened upon this thread and thought I would chime in a few years late. My Black Widow arm and Empire 2000E/III has 'O' sibilance problems. I also tracks like a hound dog on a hot dog. My Denon 301 MKII in the same setup was very good but not the Shure V15 Type III, but was real selective on certain recordings, mostly old well kept but very well played recordings.
More to discover