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Distortion/sibilance issue with Technics SL-QD33

I'm not just talking about OEM. I'm talking about aftermarket (LPGear, etc.) products. Yes, options are limited. Made that point clear. That doesn't mean nonexistent, which is what the implication is when one says "you need a new TT, back to square one".
 
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As of right now, it seems I've got this TT working as well as it can with its current cartridge/stylus. (AT92E tracking at 1.5 grams.) Distortion and sibilance are all but inaudible on well-pressed new records, unless I listen REAL closely towards the center. I'll report back whenever I aquire a new cartridge and stylus.
 
I haven't read all the posts, but here's something to bear in mind: new styli will take 30-50 hours to "burn-in" - until then, they're subject to altered frequency response, sibilance, etc., so, the more you use them, the better they get. Maybe that's the case with your stylus, maybe not. Just hoping you'll have this sorted out soon.
 
eljeffe, so it sounds like you are making progress in solving your distortion/sibilance issue. What changes did you make that resulted in this improvement?
 
pyoung272 said:
eljeffe, so it sounds like you are making progress in solving your distortion/sibilance issue. What changes did you make that resulted in this improvement?
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It's hard to say there's been a real "improvement". The issue still persists, to varying degrees. It's something that can almost always be ignored from the other room, but is often apparent when listening closely in the room. I've made minor adjustments to the stylus height, but it's hard to tell exactly where the sweet spot lies. I'm planning to buy a new stylus or cartridge altogether eventually; I've been looking at the nude hyper elliptical and line contact styli on turntableneedles.com. I'm hopeful that a more advanced stylus shape could solve the problem for good (or at least, the foreseeable future).
 
You may have achieved T4P nirvana. But if you want to keep trying, there is a new Shure M104E and a new M111HE on eBay and a similar new Shure Realistic RXP3 all with elliptical styli. There are many more brands and models available I imagine. However, Shure may give you an audible sound difference from A-T. I've like every Shure I ever heard, though I have never heard those models.

Finally, two related points: 1: Are you positive there is distortion? Sometimes the ear-brain connection hears things that aren't there. 2: If so, is sound quality good enough to enjoy and ignore? If not, remember there is no fix for bad program material.
 
C Hart said:
You may have achieved T4P nirvana. But if you want to keep trying, there is a new Shure M104E and a new M111HE on eBay and a similar new Shure Realistic RXP3 all with elliptical styli. There are many more brands and models available I imagine. However, Shure may give you an audible sound difference from A-T. I've liked every Shure I ever heard, though I have never heard those models.

Finally, two related points: 1: Are you positive there is distortion? Sometimes the ear-brain connection hears things that aren't there. 2: If so, is sound quality good enough to enjoy and ignore? If not, remember there is no fix for bad program material.
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I have seen the Shure M111-HE for sale on eBay. Thing is, I have some hesitation about buying NOS cartridges, mainly because I'm concerned about what kind of shape the suspension is in. Many of the sellers can't confirm the exact condition of these parts, and I've asked. If the suspension is worn by age, then I could end up with the same issue I'm having now. Though it is tempting, since I've read from some folks that these Shure carts can sound really good.

I am positive there's excess distortion due to mistaking/tracing. Increasing VTF didn't completely solve this, though it may have improved it slightly. Perhaps I do need to wait longer for the stylus to break in (though it doesn't seem to be getting any better yet). The SQ is good enough to ignore the distortion only on a few records. I have the sneaking suspicion that somehow, I should have a higher success rate with my vinyl playback by upgrading the cartridge and/or stylus.
 
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ElJeffe said:
I know that it's IGD. But I thought you said a higher end AT cart, for instance, would track inner grooves better? Why imply, then, that a nicer cart and stylus won't improve the tracking/tracing ability? I have read testimonials from multiple people claiming that a new cart (especially hyper elliptical or Shibata equipped) drastically improved the IGD and sibilance on their p mount TT. I simply don't buy the idea that there are zero cartridge options out there that can perform better than my current one. Of course, I could be wrong.
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Big problem, nobody's making new genuine HE or Shibata styli for T4p mount cartridges. And virtually every generic needs more tracking force than genuine (which leaves T4p mount users out in the cold) as 6 grams mass, 1.25 gram tracking force limitations apply. Audio-Technica's current T4p mount cartridges are the only genuine brand new compliant models you can buy. Grado needs higher tracking force outside of T4p compliance, your only other current production option. Obsolescence is a problem.
 
ElJeffe said:
I'm not just talking about OEM. I'm talking about aftermarket (LPGear, etc.) products. Yes, options are limited. Made that point clear. That doesn't mean nonexistent, which is what the implication is when one says "you need a new TT, back to square one".
Click to expand...

It means, Aftermarket aka Generic don't reliably track at the same forces GENUINE styli track at. And T4p mount gives you very little workaround for that problem. 6 grams mass, 1.25 grams tracking force, or it's NOT T4p mount compliant. Leaves you little options otherwise.

Which means today, Audio-Technica's current offerings for this mount are THE ONLY options which strictly meet T4p compliance. It's a medium mass, 1/2" mount world, and 2 gram tracking force phono world in which we live, in terms of HiFi or very close to this. Reality.

The supply of genuine, better class styli and cartridges for T4p mount users, is finite, dwindling, and ever costlier. Hate to say this. Many proprietary and non standard cartridges and styli are suffering from the same problems (even worse) in the vintage phono world.
 
ElJeffe said:
I have seen the Shure M111-HE for sale on eBay. Thing is, I have some hesitation about buying NOS cartridges, mainly because I'm concerned about what kind of shape the suspension is in. Many of the sellers can't confirm the exact condition of these parts, and I've asked. If the suspension is worn by age, then I could end up with the same issue I'm having now. Though it is tempting, since I've read from some folks that these Shure carts can sound really good.

I am positive there's excess distortion due to mistaking/tracing. Increasing VTF didn't completely solve this, though it may have improved it slightly. Perhaps I do need to wait longer for the stylus to break in (though it doesn't seem to be getting any better yet). The SQ is good enough to ignore the distortion only on a few records. I have the sneaking suspicion that somehow, I should have a higher success rate with my vinyl playback by upgrading the cartridge and/or stylus.
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I have many old Shure cartridges, with original and also NOS styluses from ebay, and I yet have to find one with bad suspension. I think this is one of the only options you have if you don't like sibilants distorted.
 
Anyone here have any opinions on the Shure M111HE, Pickering XSP-4004, and/or Audio-Technica AT231LP? I'm closely eying those three and am curious about the sound differences between them. Most people say that AT's are on the brighter side, while Shure are generally considered less bright. I have no real frame of reference for the Pickering. All I know is that these three each seem to have a good reputation. Any thoughts will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Jeff
 
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