Problem
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 14
frequent flier
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OP
frequent flier
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 14 |
Using various methods, I have assembled a fairly decent system. At least I thought it would sound wonderful, but it is very harsh. I picked up some demo, used and new components as follows:
- Integrated Amp : Creek 4330 Mk2 (demo)
- Turntable : Rega Planar 2 (used, but reconditioned)
- Speakers : Axiom M50 (new)
The stereo gear I replaced was entry level stuff (JVC/Kenwood/Technics/Pioneer), and I was sure of better performance. I was delighted at my finds, but when I set them up.....
The sound is very shrill, with an annoying lack of clarity. Are my speakers a good match for this setup? Should I upgrade to M60's or 80S? Would that cure the problem sound? How much money do I need to spend to make this better!
PLEASE HELP!
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Re: Problem
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,460 Likes: 6
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,460 Likes: 6 |
Hmmm...... a couple of thoughts:
1) do you have another source to test with?
2) you mention upgrades to the Rega. Exactly what was done and what is the list of arm/cartridge etc....
I beleive the problem is not speaker related, but need the answers from above to be sure.
Regards,
BBIBH
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Re: Problem
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 14
frequent flier
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OP
frequent flier
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 14 |
Yes, I can test with another turntable, the old technics.
The Rega is a Planar 2. The place I bought it from mounted a new Sumiko Blue Point cartridge, put a new belt on it, and cleaned the connectors. The tonearm is a RB300.
Does this help? I will let you know about the other source test.
Thanks!
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Re: Problem
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,460 Likes: 6
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,460 Likes: 6 |
Yes, let me know about your other test with a different source.
With regards to the Rega, I have a couple of thoughts that centre around the arm - 1 good, 1 bad. First the bad - To properly mount a cartridge, the arm MUST be removed. The proper amount of torque required to secure the cartridge can damage the bearings if the arm is left mounted, and a cartridge is mounted. This is a very delicate area of the table. Find out how they mounted the cartridge, arm on the table, or did they remove the arm.
If they removed the arm, this is the good part. The RB series of arms are decent economy arms, but have no height adjustment. The arm needs spacers to shim to the proper height. If the height is incorrect, the sound can sound muddy or shrill. It can be taken to extremes of either, depending on the height. Since the height is easily adjustable, have them adjust to the proper height, reshim and tighten. You can probably go by marks on the arm, if it is the original. If not, the Rega dealer should be able to determine the right height.
Regards,
BBIBH
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Re: Problem
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 14
frequent flier
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OP
frequent flier
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 14 |
Ok, the other turntable does not exhibit the same type of problem. It does sound bad, but the poor high end noise is not there.
I will check with the place I bought the Rega from about the suggestions you made, and the questions you ask.
Thanks and I will let you know!
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Re: Problem
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,387 Likes: 8
President connoisseur
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President connoisseur
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,387 Likes: 8 |
Just wondered if you have checked the phase. This would be the result of an out of phase channel. Normally it is either at the cartridge connection on the turntable, the speaker wires at the amp, or the speaker wires at the speaker.
Ian Colquhoun
President & Chief Engineer
Ian Colquhoun President & Chief Engineer
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Re: Problem
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 14
frequent flier
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OP
frequent flier
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 14 |
I spoke with the people who set the turntable up, and they confirmed they removed the arm. They said I should bring it back, and they will look at the arm height.
Luckily they are a very short drive, so I should be able to update everyone today.
Thanks again.
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Re: Problem
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,460 Likes: 6
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,460 Likes: 6 |
Good stuff. I would also get them to check the oil in the bearings. They should use lightweight oil to make sure they are correctly lubricated
I wish you luck!
Regards,
BBIBH
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Re: Problem
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,460 Likes: 6
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,460 Likes: 6 |
That is a good thought, although it probably is at the turntable cartridge connection. I say this because the other turntable does not have the same problem when tested (assuming I read the post correctly ;) )
ABCD, you might want to check all cables for proper phase connection.
Regards,
BBIBH
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Re: Problem
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 14
frequent flier
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OP
frequent flier
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 14 |
MAGIC!!!!
The height of the arm was out several fractions of an inch, it was adjusted, and it sounds great!
I had the bearings oiled as you suggested as well. We also checked the cables were correct on the arm and cartridge (they were properly connected). I also checked the interconnects and speaker cables, which I managed to get right the first time! ;)
The sound is GREAT! Exactly what I was aiming for!
Thanks for all your help BBIBH, you really came through for me! Are you associated with Axiom?
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