Valve Itch phono

[merlin el mago]

 

[merlin el mago]

There is also the maximum capacitance load of 400-500pF

I have actually 220pF Ekos cable + 60-70pF input capacitance of Itch = 290pF maximum, still margin to play with the input capacitance load.

What do you try first Salas the input capacitance or the RIAA HF capacitance?

Added 220pF SQ increased a lot not only treble. Ebony body still note arrived.

 

[Salas]

Nice, first things first (C loading) must be explored before thinking about playing with design related aspects like curves weighing. Does it feel tonally complete now with proper C loading and standard HF cap combo value?

 

[merlin el mago]

Yes.

Also adjusted VTA because difference was important standard LP vs 180Gr or more.

 

[Salas]

How many grams is your optimal now? Is the cantilever suspension good as new?

 

[merlin el mago]

The cartridge VTF is set to 1gr and the VTA aprox. 15º

 

[Salas]

Tracking OK at the inner grooves of LPs? Highs still nicely smooth when treble dynamics are reproduced in the area of those grooves?

 

[merlin el mago]

Stylus picture.

 

[Salas]

Takes a tripod and spot focus, now blurry.

 

[merlin el mago]

Other pic.

 

[merlin el mago]

Takes a tripod and spot focus, now blurry.

It's the camera phone.

 

[Salas]

A more informative pic this last one. Looks like the cantilever sits OK straight in its place from this angle.

 

[merlin el mago]

Do you know a safe way to clean the needle.

 

[Salas]

I would not risk to dip it in ultrasonic bath if you mean sophisticated cleaning because I am not informed about what may happen to the suspension, but I am not expert on cleaning either, so better ask more TT people.

 

[merlin el mago]

Ebony body.

 

[merlin el mago]

More pics.

 

[Salas]

Gives much more classy look. Congratulations. I like it on this arm. I hope it gives something more to SQ also. That would be great combination.

 

[merlin el mago]

Thanks Salas. Real is more beautiful than the pics. This one is the ebay seller pic:

 

[merlin el mago]

The soft bass using original plastic body has dissapeared with the ebony body, now more deep, clean & strong. Still playing with input capacitance for optimum SQ.

 

[Salas]

With now stronger bass maybe you prefer C3=15n//330pF or 220pF instead of //750pF? It will still be within acceptable design limits for 15kHZ reference level RIAA response.