Ortofon Cartridge Set Up

[Dubster68]

Chris a thing I did do was listen with my ears whilst moving things then when I knew it sounded better to me I adjusted it all up. Normally you throw the cart on, protractor set up away you go. Not with the Black. At points during the set up some of my records sounded terrible crackles and pops. This was close to the point I was going to remove it. Once the sweet spot is hit you will be happy. I know it's frustrating but worth it. Records do sound slightly noisy unless they are perfect but I adjusted the gain and all is ok now.


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[Cas]

@Jez

I am talking about another phono stage I use when talking about the gain above.

I have an Arlkess 640P early model as you know so I it should only need me to plug into the Arkless set in MM mode, links cut
and no plugs required ?

Same with my other phono stage, remove all gain links and just set it to MM mode ?

[Cas]

Chris a thing I did do was listen with my ears whilst moving things then when I knew it sounded better to me I adjusted it all up. Normally you throw the cart on, protractor set up away you go. Not with the Black. At points during the set up some of my records sounded terrible crackles and pops. This was close to the point I was going to remove it. Once the sweet spot is hit you will be happy. I know it's frustrating but worth it. Records do sound slightly noisy unless they are perfect but I adjusted the gain and all is ok now.


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Gain, that's the thing I only have links for 100pf and 220pf so I assume the place to start is no links in either and the phono stage set to MM because the
arm wiring and interconnect may be enough gain ?

[Wakefield Turntables]

Ortofon Cadenza black took THREE F'KIN days of messing around before it sounded stunning.

[Arkless Electronics]

@Jez

I am talking about another phono stage I use when talking about the gain above.

I have an Arlkess 640P early model as you know so I it should only need me to plug into the Arkless set in MM mode, links cut
and no plugs required ?

Same with my other phono stage, remove all gain links and just set it to MM mode ?

Yes i know you're talking about another stage.
No it's not that easy. The load I described is pretty non standard and virtually no MM stages allow this setting. You need to cut out the 100pF cart loading caps and then use extra loading plugs.
It won't make a huge difference and the VTA issues etc others speak of are where you will likely find salvation... the loading is just icing on the cake. Check out the sites I mentioned and you should find further info.

[Dubster68]

Just to add.

I checked my Azimuth setting again after set up and also used a spirit level on the head shell. It was slightly out from the other day. So now that this has been adjusted I can now say this helped towards a total clean crackle free perfect sound. I had previously checked this and thought it was ok. Amazing how minor things can change sounds that much at the stylus tip. This cart is well worth getting if set up correctly. I can really understand why people sell them on thinking they have tried everything so give up.

[Jimbo]

Just to add.

I checked my Azimuth setting again after set up and also used a spirit level on the head shell. It was slightly out from the other day. So now that this has been adjusted I can now say this helped towards a total clean crackle free perfect sound. I had previously checked this and thought it was ok. Amazing how minor things can change sounds that much at the stylus tip. This cart is well worth getting if set up correctly. I can really understand why people sell them on thinking they have tried everything so give up.

Definitely worth persevering with. Once that Shibata cut diamond sits at the correct angle the 2M reveals its stellar performance. Made me think why would you ever need another cartridge?

[Cas]

Thanks for the input on setting up the 2M Black but how would you set this phono stage gain for it, besides selecting MM of coarse?

Links in which gain selection or no links I would say 100pF

[Cas]

What size type of spirit level did you use ?

[Dubster68]

What size type of spirit level did you use ?

I have a small spirit level that sits on the headshell. Loads on eBay for a couple of pounds


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