jameshays Posted January 6, 2016 Share Posted January 6, 2016 Finally after a year of collecting I finally upgraded my cartridge. I currently have two turntables but am just using the Pioneer PL-530. Was previously using an Empire 7000 ex which I recently replaced the stylus for. While the sibilance seems less as does the IG distortion with the AT, it sounds bright. Really bright. Will this "dull down" a bit after some use? I have it on a Technics headshell and with the 49mm distance from needle to flange the cart is pushed back almost all the way on the headshell. I used a protractor (baerwald) to get the proper angle I just want to make sure I'm not missing something obvious. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
allenh Posted January 6, 2016 Share Posted January 6, 2016 The AT440 is a pretty neutral sounding cart so have you checked VTA? tonal balance can and will shift a little with a new stylus breaking in but the VTA will have more affect as will the tracking force. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jameshays Posted January 6, 2016 Author Share Posted January 6, 2016 Thanks. I don't think I can adjust that on the Pioneer, not sure. I guess I should try it out on my Technics sl-1700mkii and see how it sounds there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smwalsh6 Posted January 7, 2016 Share Posted January 7, 2016 530's don't have adjustable VTA unfortunately. You could always try a thicker mat to simulate lowering the tonearm base, which is the way you want to go to roll off some highs. Give it time though. I have the same cart in my current set up and it had a pretty lengthy break in period. Was really bright at first, and took around a week with a few hours of use per day to chill out. Not to mention, I'm running Ml electrostats with a Peachtree amp, which is on the bright side already, but after some break in it evened out. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
allenh Posted January 7, 2016 Share Posted January 7, 2016 530's don't have adjustable VTA unfortunately. You could always try a thicker mat to simulate lowering the tonearm base, which is the way you want to go to roll off some highs. Give it time though. I have the same cart in my current set up and it had a pretty lengthy break in period. Was really bright at first, and took around a week with a few hours of use per day to chill out. Not to mention, I'm running Ml electrostats with a Peachtree amp, which is on the bright side already, but after some break in it evened out. Good luck! You learn something new everyday, I've got a 550 and had a 570 but have never owned a 530 so just assumed it was similar but no it's quite a different beast entirely. So yes it looks like you've got to wait out the break in period or go with a thicker mat. As a little test does the arm tube look completely flat when viewed side on when playing a record? Ideally the cartridge should be at the same angle as the record so if the arm is flat it should be about right, It's not foolproof but a reasonable indicator of whether the VTA is correct or not Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jameshays Posted January 14, 2016 Author Share Posted January 14, 2016 Finally tried it on my Technics sl1700 mkii which I find much easier to use with a protractor than the PL530. Got it dialed in and WOW, my ears are refreshed. A/B'd it on a few records with the AT95 and it's not even in the same league, the 440 really does sound that much better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vinylbladerunner Posted January 14, 2016 Share Posted January 14, 2016 Finally tried it on my Technics sl1700 mkii which I find much easier to use with a protractor than the PL530. Got it dialed in and WOW, my ears are refreshed. A/B'd it on a few records with the AT95 and it's not even in the same league, the 440 really does sound that much better. Hi Mate I have the AT440mlb on my Technics 1210 MkII Superb sound.. One of the best Cartridges out there for a low budget.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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