Newbie Question: VTA and Rega P25/RB600

The P25 arrived, mounted up the Dynavector 10x4. Nice overall sound, plenty of details in the mix (love that about vinyl), however it's noticeably light in the bass and maybe a tad bright on top -- but the lack of bass is pretty aparent. Spin up the CDP as a reference (Linn Ikemi) and the comparison is obvious.

I believe I've got the cartridge aligned properly and the tracking is set to the recommended 1.7g. I experimented with tracking from 1.5 to 2.5 and went back to 1.7, none of which really did much for the lack of low end.

I'm running it through my MC setion of my Linn Karin preamp not the MM section. Tried the MM section for grins and no affect.

Is this sounding like a VTA issue?

If so which direction do I go to correct this type of symptom?

Thanks again for all the help, much appreciated!

It sounds like a VTA issue to me. Lower the pivot end of the arm, slightly. If it is already as low as it can go, then cut a piece of cardboard(non-corrugated) that is about the thickness of a matchbook cover, in the shape of your platter. Put it under your mat. If this improves things, then try using two layers of cardboard. Once you figure out how high to go, then you know what thickness of the new mat will be, that you need to buy. I know cardboard may not be the ideal material to do this with, but we're not looking for a permanent solution with this, just trying to determine how much spacing you need for your VTA adjustment. You can then get the right thickness mat, that will be made of the right material. If you would rather use another material than cardboard, that's fine, just so long as you get the spacing result that you want.

The other option would be to buy pre-made spacers to put between your cartridge and the headshell. This is alot more difficult, but will achieve the same end.

Also, the 10x4 is designed to work into your MM input on your phono section. It is possible that the loading on the MC section may be set at something other than 47k, which is what the 10x4 is designed to work into.

The Dynavector 10X4 will need a 2mm spacer when using the stock Rega felt mat.
The ExtremePhono mat, being thicker yet will require quite a bit more compensation from the looks of it.
The Dyna is a high output MC and is intended to be used at the 47K ohm MM input/load.
Expect it to take at least 30+ hours of play just to limber the suspension and another 20 or more hours before the cartridge is fully broken in.You'll want to double check your VTF at the 30 hr mark.

I, umm, err, ahhh ... wired the cartridge outta phase.
Oops. Sounds a wee bit better now.

Tossed on the new mat and its sounding pretty darn good! (as opposed to just plain bad prior) Thanks all.

Oh well! And not one of us even suspected that. Glad you got it working.