Hi all,
Thanks for the replies. I ended up not futzing with the armrest.
I performed the setup. I had a heck of a time just trying to 'see' the stylus with my 10x loop. Old eyes & progressive lenses make it tough for me. I ended up moving the turntable outside on the deck (was a gorgeous day) and it helped. Once I got the first phase (overhang) I was ready to call it a day. I dread the next (alignment) step because it's hard to adjust the cartridge without messing up overhang. Anyway, just before I moved the turntable back inside I checked the alignment and I swear it was bang on. I walked away, came back a few minutes later to recheck (the Mint Tractor makes this very easy) and same thing, so I considered myself very fortunate and moved the table back into the playing position.
I was then surprised to find that the VTF was very different (1.7xx vs 2.00). I adjusted it up to 1.88 and started playing a few records.
After about 10 LP sides, I finally played the Patricia Barber LP (the one that really alerted me to the issue) and it sailed through beautifully.
Dang this thing is sounding good. Much more high frequency extension with a lot of clarity. It's clean but a tad forward sounding but I'm not complaining and I'm guessing it might settle down a bit with break-in.
This is my 3rd XV-1s. The first was purchased used from Mike Lavigne and I snapped off the cantilever and replaced it with the one I had been using up to yesterday (also purchased used). This third cart is new.
Thanks again for all the help!
