Turntable alignement

[Frankie Lee]

I'm about to finally rescue my Planar 3 from the attic - can't wait. However, the last time I used it there was a problem. It would sound great at the begining of an album but the closer the cartridge got to the needle the worse the sound would get. Sort of a rough/fuzzy sound.

I'm assuming that perhaps it's an alignment issue? Any advice on what set up is best for a stock RP3 with a rega cartridge? I've had a brief look around the net and come across terms such as Baerwald Alignment etc. But I was just wondering if that's suitable for Rega as they have the 3 screw housing which doesn't give a lot of play.

[bod]

Hi Frankie. I have the Feickhert jig and can do the set-up for you if you're in Dublin. The RB arms should have no issues with tracking so it's probably an alignment issue. I'm in Seville until next Sunday but will have time when I get back to do the set-up for you. Cheers. Dave.

[Frankie Lee]

Okay guys I'm just looking for a bit of advice. Last week I bought possibly the best hifi bargain of the year. I got a Yamaha DSP-A1 HT amp for €200. You've probably never heard of it but about ten years ago it was Yamahas flagship AV amp and sold for €2500.

It was a bit of a risk, particularly as I couldn't hear it beforehand so I had no idea how good it would be or if it even worked. Anyway, after a few days of use I'm delighted, a lovely sounding amp that's works well with my Eclipse 307 and BK sub. It's a bit limited in comparison to today's processors but with 130 amps per channel and a separate dac for each channel it sounds lovely, particularly with music.

The other great benefit is that it comes with a Phono stage so I've finally got my beloved Planar 3 out of the attic. Only thing is, it doesn't sound great. Very muffled compared to CD. I think it's set up okay, I certainly haven't experienced the problems I mentioned earlier so I'm just wondering:

Should the turntable need a lot of running in after being out of action for years?
Is it likely that the phono stage is just a bit crappy (can't find any reviews that's refer to it)?
Is the Rega Elys an under performing cartridge?

Just curious to get some feedback/ thoughts.

[Fran]

Sounds very like a stylus/cartridge issue. If you want to bring it over some night I could have a look for you?

[Frankie Lee]

That's decent of you Fran. Even just to hear it in a different set up would clarify things.

[Frankie Lee]

I watched this video which is very useful.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IoIHn2g0 ... ata_player

The problem I have is that when I set my tracking force control and bias to zero the arm pulls quite strongly away from the spindle so it's almost impossible to balance the arm accurately. Does that's seem right? I certainly wouldnt be able to get the arm to rest above the record like he does.

[Fran]

Set the arm level (sra) first, then alignment , then down force, last of all anti skate. Make sure there's no anti skate when doing the other settings.

I have the feickert gauge and stylus balance here, we can check it all if you don't get it sorted on your own.

[Frankie Lee]

Just wanted to thank Fran for his patience and help last night. He managed to get the TT set up and figure out that it's running slow. A quick look at ebay and there's a new white upgrade belt on it's way from UK shortly.

Top man.