BeoGram

Re: Distortion Problem, Beogram 1800

dbxdx5 — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 23:02:33 GMT

So the distortion didn't disappear until I pushed the tracking force up to 1.6 g for my MMC2. There's still some inner groove distortion in the last song on each side, but that's to be expected.

Re: Distortion Problem, Beogram 1800

tournedos — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 06:03:06 GMT

I'm not familiar with stuff that is sold as "jeweller's scales", but many of them seem exactly the same as those sold as powder scales for cartridge reloading. And I can assure those work correctly, as gross errors as the one mentioned above would be outright dangerous and possibly risk blowing the gun in your face! When used correctly, they are accurate to 10 mg or so.

The problem with them is just what you say Step1, they are usually too thick for measurements at the record level. The shown weight might be something else than truth when the arm is pointing at the ceiling. As with most engineering, you need to know how to measure and what other phenomena might affect the reading, in addition to having the instrument...

Re: Distortion Problem, Beogram 1800

Step1 — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 04:58:53 GMT

chartz:

http://www.hi-fi-accessories-1.com/digital-stylus-force-gauge.htm

They state, in relation to jewlers scales from ebay...

In reality these scales gave large errors such as reading 2.1 grams for tracking force when the actual measurement was only 1.4 grams. We can vouch that the scales we are offering are accurate and have received excellent feedback from users

That is not what I found! I use some ebay scales that cost me about £12. I have tested with coins etc. of known weight and they appear accurate and repeatable every time down to about 1/10 of a gram - they are NOT fussy where the contact force is applied either! Only problem is you need to remove the platter to account for the thickness and have the stylus at record-level..

Re: Distortion Problem, Beogram 1800

chartz — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 14:41:49 GMT

I also use the original B&O one I had along with my MMC20 EN cartridge!

Re: Distortion Problem, Beogram 1800

Søren Hammer — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 14:15:08 GMT

I just keep it simple with an Ortofon Fulcrum force gauge, they are cheapest

Re: Distortion Problem, Beogram 1800

chartz — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 13:53:29 GMT

http://www.hi-fi-accessories-1.com/digital-stylus-force-gauge.htm

Re: Distortion Problem, Beogram 1800

dbxdx5 — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 13:24:23 GMT

By tracking force weight, do you mean use a stylus force gauge, such as the digital type? If so, can anyone recommend a brand they like?

Re: Distortion Problem, Beogram 1800

Søren Mexico — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 10:06:20 GMT

With the cartridge in place, turn the counterwight CCW until the arm is balancing, hold the counterweight tight and turn the plastic dial to "0", set your tracking force. For MMC 5 some 1.5 gr.

Re: Distortion Problem, Beogram 1800

Søren Hammer — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 09:40:47 GMT

I would advise that you should use a specialized tracking force weight(the cheapest being the "fulcrum balance"-type). This can be far more accurate than the weight measuring ring on the 1800 arm, if it needs calibration. There is some way of calibrating the scale, but I don't know how to on the radial decks.

-Søren

Re: Distortion Problem, Beogram 1800

dbxdx5 — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 09:24:45 GMT

Ok, I'll try increasing the weight a little.

As for checking that the scale on the tone arm is accurate, how do I go about doing that?

Re: Distortion Problem, Beogram 1800

dbxdx5 — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 09:23:34 GMT

Actually no, it's just as bad at the beginning of a record as it is toward the end.

Re: Distortion Problem, Beogram 1800

Søren Hammer — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 04:59:31 GMT

Hello, the problem normally gets worse when the stylus is getting closer to the center of the record. I have had the same problem with a rebuillt MMC2 from Axel, simply increasing the tracking weight from the normal 1g to 1,3g helped a lot.

Re: Distortion Problem, Beogram 1800

chartz — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 04:07:00 GMT

Hi,

Does the problem worsen near the end of the records?

Re: Distortion Problem, Beogram 1800

Doctor — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 02:56:02 GMT

The usual problem is going to be wear. Obviously not the case with your new MMC2. Axel suggests his cartridges track at a slightly heavier weight - my MMC5000s track best at about 1.3g. In the first event, I would increase the weight. Have you checked that the scale on the tone arm is accurate?

Re: Distortion Problem, Beogram 1800

dbxdx5 — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 21:44:55 GMT

Not sure how/why this would be an intermittent problem, but once again I have distortion on the loudest parts of vocals. Only difference between the last time I posted about this and now is that it also happens with a rebuilt MMC2! Help?