Cartridges into the masseto

[lowens]

I currently use a ortofon spu 90th aniversary directly into my masseto. From day one i have found it lacking in overall presence, resolution. The playback is just a bit muted, flat. Highs are somewhat truncated. The spu should sound great, but doesn't. I have tried vta and other setup changes to little effect. I have owned my vinyl playback for years, but still consider myself a novice.
My question, Just wondering what cartridges fellow shindo owners are using directlly into the Masseto or other shindo preamps to great effect? Both low, mid prices ranges....mc or mm.
Thank you!

[countingbackwards]

I'm very happy with my Ortofon A90 into the Monbrison's MC input. It's a very low-impedance, low-output cartridge and the sound is detailed, open and "right". The only problem is that the A90 isn't in production anymore.

[silwerfeldt]

I use a koetsu Rosewood into my Monbrison and it sounds great.
Maybe you should try a Step-up transformer like the EAR Yoshino MC4 which has different Ohm loads and plug that into your MM input on your Masseto. Or buy another PU and I guess that´s what youre asking...

[kev313]

A different step up should not be necessary as the Masseto's should work perfectly with the Ortofon. Given that, I would have to guess that this is more likely to be a set-up problem or an issue with the cartridge or Masseto itself.

Is the cartridge new? How about the Masseto tubes? What arm are you using?

[lowens]

I purchased the cartridge new. There appears to be no physical issues with the cartridge itself. Last year I did have the table professionally set up (not a Shindo dealer, or any awareness in the product line). I have an ortofon RS-212D arm on a TW Acustic .5 table, furutech phono cable. All nice quality stuff. The Masseto tubes are fine as my digital playback is great.

[kev313]

That all sounds like it should be working on paper. I just don't see any reason that, all things working properly, your sound should be anything to complain about. Not your cup of tea, sure, that is possible, but it shouldn't sound like something is wrong.

Again, if there is, I find it hard to believe that it would be an issue with the Masseto and SPU. I know there has been a tendency, on this forum in particular, to think that the Shindo internal SUTs are somehow deficient, but IME that is completely off base and usually due to improper cartridge matching. SPUs should be great with the Shindo SUT.

My check list would be arm and cartridge set-up (maybe get a test disc to see if something is really off), cartridge check-up, and Masseto check-up. I've seen "professionally" set up tables that were quite messed-up...maybe not the case here, just saying. Also, and I'm certainly not saying this is the case, but the order of my check list would be influenced by where the gear came from. For example, and again, not saying it applies here, there are many many horror stories of grey market used SPUs being passed off as new. Also, as you may have seen on Fremer's site, there can be a huge variance in the tolerances of brand spanking new carts which will certainly influence alignment issues, etc. Heck if all else fails get a different sample of a different SPU - maybe a standard SPU - from your dealer and compare the sound.

[pitch perfect]

Originally Posted by lowens

I currently use a ortofon spu 90th aniversary directly into my masseto. From day one i have found it lacking in overall presence, resolution. The playback is just a bit muted, flat. Highs are somewhat truncated. The spu should sound great, but doesn't. I have tried vta and other setup changes to little effect. I have owned my vinyl playback for years, but still consider myself a novice.
My question, Just wondering what cartridges fellow shindo owners are using directlly into the Masseto or other shindo preamps to great effect? Both low, mid prices ranges....mc or mm.
Thank you!

HI Larry, I'll be happy to help - perhaps post a photo or email me a pic of the tone arm setup. Let's start with the VTA. Also, what is your tracking force?

-M

[dirtbag]

Larry,

I have the same cartridge and a 12" version of your arm on my Thorens.
Like you, I am no expert but I think mine sounds great. we need to get together and compare at some point. Did you have your table set-up again properly since your reno?
Dale

[Wino]

lowens, dirtbag-

Would love to know how everything works out- My (very, very ignorant understanding, is that all your awesome goodies should work beautifully together-

Inquiring minds want to know !

David

[lowens]

Thanks to all for your comments and suggestions.
After the reno, I did level the table, adjust the tracking force (2.5?), but kept the TVA as it was recommended by a turntable setup pro. Being an SPU there isn't much more you can do.
The so called setup pro who also sells hi end gear said that I had great stuff but it all leaned towards the warm side of the scale and that I should consider a more lively cartridge to compensate.
Not sure I agree, but with my limited knowledge of all things vinyl I really have no idea.
I am unforntuanhtely a real klutz when it comes to handling small, delicate devices. I don’t want to throw a ton of money at this issue, as my existing set up should sound better than my digital.

Matthew, thanks very much for the support, I will try to get some decent pictures, but only have the camera in my blackberry…by the way I love the O96's!
Larry