Pro-Ject Debut Iii W/ Stock Ortofon Ome5

[ccvalentino]

Hello,

I recently purchased a new Pro-Ject Debut III with the stock OME5 cartridge / stylus. I've checked and re-checked / adjusted the anti-skate and counter weight settings (second notch @ 1.8 VTF). I'm experience what I can only describe as what sounds like a lisp on the vocals. This happens across a variety of records both old and new. I've also replaced the stylus, exchanged by interconnect cables between the pre-amp and amp all with the same result. Is this an artifact of the OME5? The cartridge was "factory aligned", has anyone experienced issues with the Pro-Ject alignment? Thoughts are welcomed.

My system is as follows AT-PEQ3 Preamp --> Marantz AV6003 --> Klipsch Hersey I's.

I'm contiplating swaping the cartridge or updating the stylus (AT440MLA or OM20). Has anyone had any experience with either of these on the Pro-Ject?

Thanks,
Chris

[BulldozerPT]

Does it happen during the entire record play length or only for the inner tracks?

[ccvalentino]

The entire album.

[BulldozerPT]

Well, I'm no expert on the matter, but I can assure you that the OM 5E cart and stylus don't cause such distortion by design.

I suspect a bad factory cart alignment or arm calibration. I would take the turntable to the store where you bought it from.

Don't waste money on expensive carts/stylus before having that issue sorted out.

[Vinyl and Tube Dude]

A lisp is not how I would describe it, but then again I speak danish and may put another meaning in english words. If you're thinking of the "S" has a bit of a peak, I must say that goes for my Debut III as well. I newer listened to the stock cartridge but started out with a Grado Gold, then I upgraded with a speedbox and acryllic platter, then I changed to a Shure shure m97xe and was able to reduce to "S" to an acceptable level. I'm back on the Grado Gold now, because we moved and this apartment has mutch better acoustic. But I must say that the Debut III, even with upgrades and better sonic inveroment, still is a little light on the "S" sounds. So the question is if you want to spend more money on it or live with it untill you can afford a better TT. You can get a decent sound out of it, I did, but it's newer gonna be 100% satisfying, at least in my ears. Personally I will live with my Debut for a couple of years and then buy a better TT, because I bought it only 8 months ago and dont want to spend more money at hi-fi right now (we need other tings) And it is able to give me a good musical experience, but it's newer gonna be great.

[ccvalentino]

Thanks. Exactly, its an emphasis on the "Ss".

[ccvalentino]

BulldozerPT,

Thank you, did you have a similar experience during the break-in period?

Also, what type of pre-amp are you using?

Thanks,
Chris

[Alec124c41]

Download an Alignment Protractor (link at top) and realign your cartridge properly.

Cheers,
Alec

[cafe latte]

Alecs advice is good, failing that a sure m97xe will be the best bet to solve the ssh problem and it is not a bad cart for the money either, but try the alignement protractor first. I would not waist any money on any upgrades for the Project in my opinion it is like putting a spoiler on a lada... The Project is good for what it costs, but if you are not happy at the end of the day move up the range or get a better TT. Also if you do decide to move on the sure is worth keeping.

[ccvalentino]

Thank you. I checked the cartridge alignment yesterday and it appears to be in good order. The noise is uniform and the cartridge / table track incredibly well.

Any strong feelings on the sure vs at440mla?

Chris

[BulldozerPT]

I don't even use a preamp

My turntable is connected to the phono stage of the receiver.

My experience is a bit different...I have some issues with inner groove distortion, but I suspect something is wrong with my Dual CS505-4 headshell. I already changed carts and stylus and the problem remains.

When the arm is lowered, use a magnifier and check if the stylus tip makes a perfect perpendicular angle with the record (or use a mirror for that purpose; put it on top of platter and lower the arm with the TT power off).

If stylus tip is not perpendicular, it may indicate a VTA problem, although I'm not sure it would cause the symptons you're experiencing.

[cafe latte]

I have never heard the at440mla, but others have said it has a strong hard treble, which may be not what you want..

[Bob_in_OKC]

I have a Debut III with the stock OM5E cartridge and I don't have a problem like this, so based on my limited sample (one) I'd say it isn't inherent to the turntable or the cartridge. I agree the AT440MLa might not be the way the go, due to the tipped up treble. If I were in your situation, I'd probably try to get my hands on a tracking force gauge or a mini digital scale and be very sure of the tracking force. Then I'd put it at 1.9 or even 2.0 grams and see how that goes. I run mine at 1.9 and like I said, no similar problem.

[ccvalentino]

Thank you. Did you experience a break-in period with the OME5?

Chris