I cut on PVC but sapphire styli don't last long so I have bought a diamond stylus. The surface hiss is pretty much zero now, but the quality of sound seems a little hollow compared with the sapphire, and it distorts in the treble area (not always the same frequency).
Should I expect this or is something wrong ? The sapphire cuts were perfect sound - no difference from a commercial pressed vinyl to most ears, but the diamond sounds 'boxy'.
I have had to adjust the EQ a lot to suit the diamond.
One thing worth mentioning is the length of shank is less on the diamond so it is closer to the head. Can someone tell me if this makes a difference to the sound, and what is likely to be causing my treble distortion. Sometimes its not purely distortion, its almost like a click sound.
I have to apply less weight to the diamond stylus to cut.
Its Ortofon GO541 electrics, AR Sugden head/lathe.
Thanks
Nige
In the grampian head manual a long shank styli gives a louder cut but cut the top end off at 12Khz a short shank gives a lower output but the frequency responce goes upto 16khz. So it seems that a shorter shank give better high end but lower output. It might be that when you use the diamond the click is the head at its limit of deviation if you are trying to cut at the same level as the sapphire.
!Work or Bang Time!
I have seen that you can get diamond styli for sx heads from
www.apollomasters.de
They sell the vinylium styli.
www.apollomasters.de
They sell the vinylium styli.
!Work or Bang Time!