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Sony PS x50 tonearm concerns

C

canuck96

New Member
Hi there! I did a lot of lurking on former threads, fixed a few things, but I am still having some issues.

I got this table on the bay, and I fixed some speed, button, and cueing issues, but I still have some concerns about the tonearm because I am getting some sibilance despite aligning the cartridge a few times.

Album: https://imgur.com/a/CtpAPh1

1) The rear of the tonearm appears slightly bent, and I am not sure if this is a huge problem, and if its fixable. I am hesitant to start taking apart the tonearm.

2) The VTA has to be lowered all the way to accommodate an Ortofon 2m red on an ortofon headshell, and yet it appears from my eye that the arm could even be a little further. I am a bit confused by this, and wonder if its a specific cartridge/headshell issue.

I have loosened the vertical bearings as recommended by a knowledgable user in this thread, but the problem persists.

Any guidance would be appreciated.
 
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It is very common for the counterweight assembly behind the pivot of vintage tonearms to start sagging over the years. As long as it still does it’s job, I would not mess with it. I believe it can be repairable, but that is tonearm model specific and not something I would recommend to someome inexperienced.

I don’t quite understand your problem regarding the VTA, are you saying that the arm is still slightly vertical even with the VTA at its lowest point? The Ortofon SH4 headshells have the flat top part that the cartridge is screwed into higher in relation to the collet than most headshells. This could be the problem.
 
I used to have a PS-X50 and had sibilance problems...until I removed the Ortofon OM10 I had on it. Don’t know how similar the 2M Red is, but my experience with trying the OM series on several different turntables has soured me on Ortofon MMs forever.
 
^^^ what he said. My guess is less about the arm and more about the combination of the arm and cartridge/stylus and proper alignment in the headshell.
 
mackat said:
It is very common for the counterweight assembly behind the pivot of vintage tonearms to start sagging over the years. As long as it still does it’s job, I would not mess with it. I believe it can be repairable, but that is tonearm model specific and not something I would recommend to someome inexperienced.

I don’t quite understand your problem regarding the VTA, are you saying that the arm is still slightly vertical even with the VTA at its lowest point? The Ortofon SH4 headshells have the flat top part that the cartridge is screwed into higher in relation to the collet than most headshells. This could be the problem.
Click to expand...

Yes, thats exactly it. Also, the headshell doesnt allow adjustment far enough for baerwald, and the 2m is too wide to be moved back far enough for stephenson.

Guess this means I should try a new cartridge. Thoughts?

I did some reading, it seems that the AT vm95e is a good match. Or a denon 110/103. But those are a bit pricey.
 
I liked the DL-110 on my Sony, but that was back before I met my AT VM540ml. Haven’t run the numbers on it but the AT would probably be a good match for that arm. The VM540ml is a sibilance-killer.

In regards to the alignment, the stock alignment is Stevenson. If you have the original mat, flip it over and there’s a protractor embossed on it.
 
Thanks Zvezda. That protractor on the mat is stephensen from my understanding.

How would you compare the sound of the two?

I heard the Nagoaka MP110 against the 2M Blue and preferred the blue. Also preferred the MP150 over the MP110.
 
I haven't heard any of the Nagaokas. I liked the Denon DL-110 when I got it. I'd describe it as neutrally balanced and a decent tracker. The AT outclasses it by far in tracking ability (as a microline should) and sound is just more engaging. More clarity on the highs, nice lively bass. Much more sensitive to alignment and cable capacitance than the Denon, but the real benefit is that it sounds better and the stylus is user-replaceable. I retipped a DL-110 with a microline and it improved some, but I still like the AT better.
 
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