Tracking issue with dynavector 20XL

Dear Flyfisher: 2.2 grs is the manufacturer limit to warranty that the coils were centered and that the cartridge suspension will work on target.
Don't worried about how it test on that test LP, the important subject is that you don't have that problem during LP playing and I think you can't have any problem with normal LP's.

Now, do you have problems with the normal playing LP's ?, if you don't then forget about that test.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

Thanks for the response Raul. No, I haven't had any problems in listening. If anything I am enjoying the sound on my second listening system.

VPI suggests tracking that cartridge above the manufacturers figure. I can't find my notes but I believe I'm tracking my 20XM at around 2.375 (on a Scout). Call Mike at VPI and he will give you guidance. BTW, once you get it set up at the higher tracking force run the bias test again--you will probably get the same result. I tried everything including the anti-skate kit from VPI to resolve this to no avail. I'm not sure how much it matters, the table sounds great to me!

Thanks Dodgealum, I guess it must be something in the design of the cartridge. I've read here on the 'gon that some members have added 3 gram spacers to their arms with some Dynavector cartridges. I wonder if adding mass would help?

Flyfisher,

You are misunderstanding the use of those tracks on the HFN&RR record. They are not "tests" that must be "passed". (This misunderstanding isn't your fault. The instructions that come with the record are nearly as faulty as those tracks themselves.)

With many cartridges, including your new Dyna, the only way to play track 8 (or 9!) cleanly is to increase VTF and/or anti-skate to very excessive levels. This does not indicate a flaw in your cartridge or setup. It indicates the tracks are doing what they were DESIGNED to do: MAKE your cartridge mistrack. The point of those tracks is to let you hear INCIPIENT mistracking so you can adjust anti-skating to equalize it across both channels.

While I strongly dislike those tracks due to several flaws in their methodology and implementation, if you INSIST on using them here's the proper way:

1) with antiskate at zero and VTF set at normal levels (for the cartridge) find the ONE track that causes SLIGHT mistracking (buzzing) in the R channel.

2) increase anti-skating until the buzzing is equal in both channels.

That's it. You're done. The HFN&RR record can do no more for your setup. Don't bother trying to play the more difficult tracks. They are of no use for this particular cartridge. The only track that matters is the ONE that initiates mis-tracking. Trying to "pass" more difficult tracks will lead to inaccurate setup.

Much better than any test record is learning how to adjust VTF and anti-skating by listening to music. The amount of each force required for optimum cartridge performance will be different (less) on real records than on test records with their artificially high amplitudes. I've set up a couple dozen cartridges in the last year. In no case did I use a test record, or wish that I had.

Doug