Lyra Helikon tracking weight

Posted by: Top Cat on 28 March 2004

Hi folks.

Just wondering if anyone knows what the optimum tracking weight of the Helikon (non SL version) is? Especially in the context of an LP12/Aro. Also, what about VTA - it's currently roughly parallel on 180g discs, and somewhat lower at the front on thinner discs (don't know if this is important for my question).

Reason I ask is that it had been setup by my dealer but I've since broken in the cartridge and tweaked a little.

I'm trying to get it to track a rather difficult LP and I'm currently set at 1.6g (which is as per the Lyra website) but I'm wondering how other Helikon owners have set theirs up.

I'm adding a Prefix K to the deck in the next week or so so I expect to have to revisit setup and because I don't have one of these tracking test records I have to do this all by ear, with only the trusty Shure guage to help me. So far this has served me well but though I am very happy with the sound on most albums, it isn't tracking the inner grooves of a few of the more 'difficult' ones (these are 180g, extra high dynamic range pressings from Opus3, mainly of close miked piano, which came with my previous turntable). Great sound but some distortion on some of the inner tracks.

Thanks,

John
Posted on: 29 March 2004 by Laurie Saunders
quote:
Just wondering if anyone knows what the optimum tracking weight of the Helikon (non SL version) is?


I use one in an SME. I think about 1.6 grams seems right (though I`ll have to check)

Didn`t you get instructions with it?

quote:
I'm adding a Prefix K to the deck in the next week or so


You should find that a big upgrade

Laurie S
Posted on: 29 March 2004 by Top Cat
quote:
Didn`t you get instructions with it?
Actually, I didn't. I don't know what happened there - my dealer (Robert Ritchie) is normally very good this way - perhaps he forgot. Didn't get anything other than the cart & stylus guard - which for a kilo quid cartridge makes me wonder whether I ought to have had at least, oh, some kind of box...

Wink

John
Posted on: 29 March 2004 by Dev B
John,

Lyra's (or any other good cartridge) demand excellent set up. You could be getting end of side distortion for many reasons, but I suspect the main one is that your tracking force might be set too low. Try 1.8 or 2.0 gms (if you are using the Naim/Ortofon gauge, it is in Nm so you have to deduct 0.2Nm to get the right weight). Also make sure the the headshell mounting bolts are not too tight - this is important, also check the Aro arm pillar, not too tight again. Then experient with the anti skate - I would suggest trying it at its minimum setting.

Then give it time. If it doesn't work get the catridge re-examined.

Dev
Posted on: 29 March 2004 by Laurie Saunders
quote:
makes me wonder whether I ought to have had at least, oh, some kind of box...


Mine came in a box

laurie s
Posted on: 29 March 2004 by Top Cat
Thanks guys...

Dev, I'll try 1.8 and maybe even 2.0 - to be honest, I haven't tried as high as that yet, making it up to 1.75g max. The rest of the setup should be fine - as you know, Robert 'kens his Linns' Big Grin

(aka John hasn't bu66ered around with headshell mounting/arm height and the like as 'thon things are better kent by Robert Senior than by me')

John
Posted on: 29 March 2004 by sean
John,

I run my one at around 1.65g in my Ekos. At 1.75-1.8g the sound tends to get heavy, may-be a half a gram is all you'll need to get it to track OK. I have never owned a test record (I am not claiming this as a prize) and have always set the tracking weight by ear. You will just have to experiment and tune it in yourself, which in my experience is always the best.

Sean.
Posted on: 29 March 2004 by artist
top cat i use mine in an aro and it sounds best at 1.65 .send me your address and i will send you a copy of the instructions