Poor BASS with Dynavector XX2 +Sunilda + AudioNote

Hello from a fellow DPS owner!

I know both the DPS/Rega combo and the XX-2 pretty well (although not together). I don't see a mismatch between the Rega arm and the XX-2 cart in term of a resonance/compliance match. A few things to check:

- Cartridge loading: What loading do you use? Does the phono use an step-up internally for the MC input? The XX-2 requires a pretty low loading (12-30 with a step-up, 30-100 Ohm into a solid state MC input).

- VTA: I would start with the arm parallel to the record.

- Is this a DPS modded Rega or a basic Rega arm? The rewired arm is substantially better than the stock Rega arm.

Best wishes,

Rene

According to cartridgedb.com, the Output Impedance/Coil Resistance of the XX2 is 6 ohms. Using the 25x rule (+/_ 50%) the optimal loading for that cartridge should be 25 x 6 ohms = 150 ohms. +/_ 75 ohms or in other words somewhere in the range of 75 ohms to 225 ohms.

To use this method, start at the lower end of the range (75 ohms or so) and listen to the bass. It will be strong enough, but a little sloppy (not tight.) Next, try 100 ohms, again listen to the bass. It should be tightening up (at least a little) and still be very strong. Now go up to 150 or 175 ohms, The bass will still be tight but deminished in power. The frequency balance will begin to seem mid-rangey, or even bright. You need to back down, probably to 125 or 120 ohms to recover a tight strong bass.

It's all about picking the right gear for the steepness of the hill you're trying to climb -- so you get the most out of your engine. With cartridges, you're trying to find the impedance match that delivers the most voltage to your phono preamp.
.

Yep, yep, yep -- Setup and loading.

I CAN guarantee you it isn't the carts fault.
My XX2 kicked rump!

Thanks for your input .... Some answers:

1/ This is modded arm .. so a bit better
2/ Cartridge alignment is perfect ...
3/ VAT ?? I do not know as I cannot change it on my DPS.
4/ Loading .. Intersteing. My prephono has 2 input: MM and MC. This latest allow different positions 47R, 100, 300 , 1K ... The best is on 47R although the difference is quite small. Surpizing enough, if I move it onto the MM position, I get (indeed) 20 less db .. but the sound is very similar ....

My conclusion so far ?

AA/ I am happy to know that there are no mismatch between my DPS and the cartridge

BB/ VTA can be theissue ... I will see what I can do ..May be add some LP to change the angle ??? (but will not be able to put it lower ..)

CC/ the issue can be my prephono SUNILDA. I will try to replace the 12AX7 .... then change my Sunilda for another product (although I am quite surprize, this product being quite expensive and well reviewed .....

http://www.hometheaterreview.com/equipment-reviews/audiovalve_sunilda_phono_amp_reviewed002096.php

Thanks again
Patrick

Dear Patrick: As Restock point out there is no clear problem on the Rega/XX2 matching but I think it is not the best tonearm match.

I have a friend that have the same tonearm/cartridge in an Avid TT ( different electronics and Avant Garde speakers. ) and never really like it.
I owned the XX2 and I think s a very good cartridge with very decent tonal balance and certainly not a lack of bass not either in the other side but neutral.

I think that that cartridge deserve a precise VTA/Azymuth set-up in a better matching tonearm.

In the other side the Sunilda has a subsonic filter at 20Hz this makes that the roll-off in the bass start at around ( depend on the choose of filter order. ) 80-100 Hz.

So, IMHO ( at least ) you have these two different subjects where my experiences tell me " you are in trouble ".

Now, I don't know which speaker/amplifier you own and how good are integrated to your listening room, specially in the bass response subject.

If I was you first I will try to borrow ( somewhere ) a different tonearm and try in the audio system.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.