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Optimizing TNT, Triplanar, Transfiguration Temper

I'm writing because of a combination of frustration and potential in my turntable set-up. I have never gotten the sound from the system that I expected, but feel that I am beginning to glimpse the potential of achieving it. I have made some changes recently that have led to more changes that have brought me closer to what I have heard from other systems with similar components. I am hoping someone can guide me toward finally obtaining the basic qualities that I'm looking for and I can fine-tune from there.
What I have heard before from lesser components and am not getting is the sound of the transients jumping off the record. I thought this problem was merely from the characteristics of the Transfiguration Temper Supreme, but with some modifications of the table I am beginning to hear it and wanted to see if I could bring it out further.
Let me back-track and tell you my components and what modifications I have made so far. I am running a VPI TNT upgraded to 4 (w/ the rectangle cutout for the motor), with the original motor and just added an SDS (which made the biggest improvement), a Wheaton Triplanar tonearm upgraded to VI, and a Transfiguration Temper Supreme cartridge.
When I upgraded to the SDS, the timing and solidity of the sound improved dramatically. I then found that using a single belt directly from the motor to the table actually outperformed the three-pully design originally designed for the table, perhaps with some trade-offs, i.e. voices sound clearer and better-defined, but piano may have a little less air and realism.
Finally, the table sits behind the speakers, particularly the left speaker. Moving the speaker forward a few inches seemed to significantly clean up the sound, so vibrations from the back of the (B & W 803) speaker may be muddying the water. My other components are Spectral DMC-20 and DMA-180 and MIT/Spectral reference cables.
Like I said, I am glimpsing the potential of this setup, and the music is starting to clean up and jump off the record, but it's just not quite there. I feel like I'm missing something simple and would like advice before making a lot of changes. I think I've set the cartridge up properly with regard to alignment, azimuth, VTA and no anti-skate. I have not removed the damping trough yet, and that is the next thing I was thinking to try. I am planning to try to further isolate the table from the speakers - the cable lengths prevent me from totally moving the preamp and turntable. I was also considering using different belts or string/dental floss etc. Another possibility is investing in a single-motor flywheel, which also would not use the three pulleys included with the TNT turntable. But, I feel that there is something simple and straightforward with the front-end that I am missing. Any advice?
ctlphd
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
If a cartridge needs A/S to track cleanly then you should use it. Even if you prefer the sound without it, as I do, the improvement isn't worth mistracking and permanent vinyl damage.

I began playing without A/S when my cartridge relaxed enough not to need it. As with VTF, SRA or any other parameter, the cartridge tells you where to set A/S, you don't tell it.
ptmconsulting
1,000 posts
 
Read my explanation on how to set AS properly (above). When set correctly it will sound better than with nothing.
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Ptmconsulting,

We're in agreement as to methodology. I've posted essentially the same method for years (viz., play real music, get VTF dialed in with A/S at zero, then increase A/S in TINY increments whilst listening for sonic differences).

With respect, however, we differ as to our cartridges, our systems and what we hear and value.

In my system, with my cartridges, A/S does sometimes marginally affect R vs. L balance/weight/dynamics as you described. However, even the tiniest possible amount of A/S slows transients, reduces micro-dynamics and raises the sound floor. Any R vs. L improvement is swamped by these sonic penalties, not to mention the resonance trap effects of the device itself.

Again, this is just my experience. It's no more or less valid than yours. Cartridges vary. Systems vary. Listeners vary. I wouldn't presume to tell you that because zero A/S sounds best for me that it will necessarily sound best for you.
ctlphd's avatar
ctlphd OP
35 posts
 
Another complication. Putting the anti-skate back on didn't solve the problem, so I contacted Tri Mai at Triplanar who was very helpful. I had this problem years ago, but thought it was solved. Apparently, when I removed the arm to remove the damping trough, the wires running from the bottom tube on the tonearm were pulled slightly tight, putting tension on the arm and causing pulling and vibration, especially when the arm neared the center of the record. Tri suggested pulling the wires slightly loose thereby relieving the tension and allowing the wires to float as free as possible. My first attempt caused things to be much worse, and subsequent attempts improved things but were not perfect, and the wires seem to quickly slip. I had an upgrade somewhere between 5 and 10 years back, but apparently this was not fixed with that upgrade. Before spending another nearly $1500 for another upgrade, I wanted to find if anyone had dealt with this before successfully and how. Also, does the most recent upgrade completely solve this, and if so, how? I initially thought much of my problems were in the cartridge, but this made me realize that it may be more the tonearm, as slight changes make HUGE differences.
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
>>12-27-11: Ptmconsulting
Read my explanation on how to set AS properly (above). When set correctly it will sound better than with nothing<<

Incorrect.

I have 6 tonearms here and employ anti-skating on only one.
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