Seeking Victor QL-F4 cart advice

[cwh]

Awhile back I picked up a nice JVC package including a QL4. Got the itch to unbury the TT, assess and hopefully get playing.

The cart is probably shot. The needle came jacked and was pushed forward in the stylus. Reorienting the needle, the stylus to cart connection doesn't feel right either. You can also see bodged connection from head shell to cart.

I'm looking for the typical "good mid-priced" options for both the cart and for items needed to properly set one up. I've seen those nifty mirror gauges on BT, so like that and a scale? This will obviously be my first time setting one up.

Thanks for the help
-C

 

[cwh]

 

[Crab33]

The arm of the JVC is probably medium-mass, so you will have a wide range of cartridge options. What do you call mid-priced? It might be an idea to go for a cartridge from a range with a good upgrade path, so you can try a modestly priced model and if it pleases you, upgrade later with a stylus replacement. The new Audio Technica AT-VM95 range is like this - so, for example, you could start with the AT-VM95E and later upgrade to the AT-VM95ML. Or try an Ortofon 2M Red and later upgrade to a 2M Blue.

By mirror gauge, I assume you're referring to an alignment tool. You will need one of those, although you can download one and print it off to save money. The digital tracking-force scales are useful and can be bought quite cheaply, although you can usually get into the right ballpark using the scale on the arm's counterweight.

 

[cwh]

The arm of the JVC is probably medium-mass, so you will have a wide range of cartridge options. What do you call mid-priced? It might be an idea to go for a cartridge from a range with a good upgrade path, so you can try a modestly priced model and if it pleases you, upgrade later with a stylus replacement. The new Audio Technica AT-VM95 range is like this - so, for example, you could start with the AT-VM95E and later upgrade to the AT-VM95ML. Or try an Ortofon 2M Red and later upgrade to a 2M Blue.

By mirror gauge, I assume you're referring to an alignment tool. You will need one of those, although you can download one and print it off to save money. The digital tracking-force scales are useful and can be bought quite cheaply, although you can usually get into the right ballpark using the scale on the arm's counterweight.

The curved tone arm is considered medium mass. The AT3600L has been recommended for this style table and that'd certainly be affordable. What's the difference between the 3600 type and the VM95 series? The VM might track lighter, 2 vs 3g. I see the it has threaded inserts so that's something.

I think the ability to upgrade is a good option and starting in at $40US is low-mid for me.

For the low priced 3600L fans I see the Gemini CN15 at Amazon. Looks like at least a 3600 stylus if not a total rebrand.

 

[patient_ot]

I have a QL-F4. The arm is on the heavier side of medium mass - 21g with stock headshell. You want to stick with medium compliance cartridges. What is your exact budget for a new cartridge? I think the VM95 series from AT is a good match as I run the 95ML right now as my daily driver and get a 9hz resonance which is right on target. The 3600 or VM95C are good carts for a tight budget and not horrible ones to start with if you just need something to get you going. Don't buy premade protractors from Amazon or whatever. Most of them are Baerwald/Lofgren protractors and this turntable was designed for Stevenson. If you want a custom arc protractor that is very close to the factory spec of 48mm overhang from stylus tip to rubber washer, PM me with your email address.

You will need a new set of headshell leads. The AT 601s are $10-15 and good quality.

 

[cwh]

I have a QL-F4. The arm is on the heavier side of medium mass - 21g with stock headshell. You want to stick with medium compliance cartridges. What is your exact budget for a new cartridge? I think the VM95 series from AT is a good match as I run the 95ML right now as my daily driver and get a 9hz resonance which is right on target. The 3600 or VM95C are good carts for a tight budget and not horrible ones to start with if you just need something to get you going. Don't buy premade protractors from Amazon or whatever. Most of them are Baerwald/Lofgren protractors and this turntable was designed for Stevenson. If you want a custom arc protractor that is very close to the factory spec of 48mm overhang from stylus tip to rubber washer, PM me with your email address.

You will need a new set of headshell leads. The AT 601s are $10-15 and good quality.

Cool. I actually pulled the trigger on a VM95C and with 1 day Amazon it'll be here tomorrow. I want to hear what the conical sounds like and have the stylus in my stash regardless. The E might be the next step. I can't go to far as I've got project-QL-5, Dual 1019 and AR AX to outfit as well.

PM incoming.

-C

 

[cwh]

Super clean QL-4 in real time. It's mate, a JA-S55 integrated is showing signs of corrosive glue attack so a cartridge may not be the only thing this table needs.

 

[cwh]

I have a QL-F4. The arm is on the heavier side of medium mass - 21g with stock headshell. You want to stick with medium compliance cartridges. What is your exact budget for a new cartridge? I think the VM95 series from AT is a good match as I run the 95ML right now as my daily driver and get a 9hz resonance which is right on target. The 3600 or VM95C are good carts for a tight budget and not horrible ones to start with if you just need something to get you going. Don't buy premade protractors from Amazon or whatever. Most of them are Baerwald/Lofgren protractors and this turntable was designed for Stevenson. If you want a custom arc protractor that is very close to the factory spec of 48mm overhang from stylus tip to rubber washer, PM me with your email address.

You will need a new set of headshell leads. The AT 601s are $10-15 and good quality.

Patient, Is the protractor alignment as simple as lining up to just one of the points? I've assumed the cart need to hit both but what do I know. Some internet reading hasn't helped.

-C

 

[patient_ot]

Patient, Is the protractor alignment as simple as lining up to just one of the points? I've assumed the cart need to hit both but what do I know. Some internet reading hasn't helped.



-C

With the arc protractor you want to hit both. You also want your stylus to be able to follow the arc as closely as possible. If this is too difficult, use the overhang dot built into the plinth. The stylus will be 48mm from the tip to the rubber washer at the back of the headshell.

 

[cwh]

With the arc protractor you want to hit both. You also want your stylus to be able to follow the arc as closely as possible. If this is too difficult, use the overhang dot built into the plinth. The stylus will be 48mm from the tip to the rubber washer at the back of the headshell.

Cool that's how I did it. A week later the notation (align to either) on the protractor gave me pause.

I gave the table a quick spin last week. Definitely more gain than the Project Debut. I'll spend some real setup time soon.

 

[Pythonman]

I hooked up a record store owner with a well preserved Denon DL160 for that exact table and it is a match made in heaven. Smooth tracking, quiet, detailed, zero mistracking or IGD. A DL 110 would be great as well.