High Frequency Response Problem

[kugeldog]

I have a new Denon DP-300F turntable with a Denon DL-160 cartridge. This is my first turntable and cartridge setup.

I installed the cartridge, set the tracking force to 1.9 g, (recommended range is 1.6 +/- 0.3 g), and ran the tests on an old Hi Fi News test record (c. 1963) that I got from EBay. I am unable to get any sound from tests 1-3, and extremely low volume on test 4 (5,200-7,360 cps). I initially tried it at 1.6 g, but got some buzz in the low frequency cartridge tracking test. Otherwise, everything seems to be okay.

What are the setup factors that can affect frequency response in the high ranges?

If I lower the tracking force to 1.3 g, will it help the stylus to track better?

Is it possible that I have a bad cartridge?

Should I install the original cartridge that came with the DP-300F and see what happens? I went directly to the DL-160, so that I could avoid having to do two setups.

[02audionoob]

The tracking angle could affect it. Is the top of the cartridge exactly parallel to the record surface? You can use the lines on an index card to gauge it. I wonder if the height of the DL-160 is different from the OEM cartridge.

Also...just listening to it...how does it sound?

[kugeldog]

It sounds great! However, the only thing I've listened to so far is the music on the test record. I got so paranoid from reading about all the damage a cartridge can do to itself and the records if it's not properly installed, I decided not to play any of my records until I got it set up correctly.

[02audionoob]

I lean toward the philosophy of - if it sounds good, it is good. If these conditions with a new cartridge are met I'd forget about the test record:

a - Top of cartridge is parallel to record
b - Cartridge is square to record when viewed from the front
c - Tracking force is within the recommended range and anti-skating is set to match
d - Cartridge is correctly aligned
e - It sounds good

By the way...I agree with staying to the heavy side of the recommended tracking force range. That's not just me, either. There's advice on that in the Rega manuals and a few other places I've seen.

[poppachubby]

If I lower the tracking force to 1.3 g, will it help the stylus to track better?

.

No. Infact, too low and it won't take much to propmt the stylus to jump out of the groove. You may be more susceptible to skips and such with such a low force. I haven't heard your cart but it's quite reputable.

I keep seeing your table online. Is it everything they say it is?

[JoeE SP9]

For anyone who questions their tracking force. Get a Shure SFG-2. $36 at Needle Doctor.

[kugeldog]

I found one for $20 + $3 shipping at J & R Music. jrmusic.com

[02audionoob]

I found one for $20 + $3 shipping at J & R Music. jrmusic.com

I strongly suspect you won't regret it. I adjust mine by ear, but I always start from the exact optimum per my Shure scale.