u/31hk31

I am tracking the FF-15e at 2.0g, per its recommend specs. I have the adjusted the cart/stylus in the headshell-sled with correct the overhang.

But that gap is seems awfully close to LP surface. Note the captions below images that note whether or not the LP is playing.

Not sure if something is out of whack? Sonics are okay, but I'll let you folks tell me what to listen for. What does incorrect VTA sound like?

https://preview.redd.it/hu5d9zlxa90h1.jpg?width=1206&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=cc6e1a174fa51d4f57a7bfe06e815c1ceb828021

Above: Record is playing at 33.333 RPM.

https://preview.redd.it/70iup1fza90h1.jpg?width=1206&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9751613f3f0d025bac2151b10191b8a7849e8095

Above: Record is not playing.

https://preview.redd.it/cin2vxp1b90h1.jpg?width=1206&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9853e3736e46c0512baace714da5df5c2d614af2

Above: Record is not playing.

https://preview.redd.it/dfau0sr3b90h1.jpg?width=1206&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5b6fe2c7bfe2fd88fc3f7fdb814d776b6b477941

I have another 'table, a Pioneer PL-400, also with same FF-15e cartridge. And that gap is much more normal looking.

Back in Sept 2007, audioxpress magazine published a project of an ultra-low-distortion LP797 phono preamp.

The project has a selectable MC/MM switch (S1A).

But there seem to be a error in the schematic as switch (S1A) does not seem connected at the other end.

Please correct as necessary. Thx!

(see S1A, top middle)

Full article PDF here:

https://www.diyaudio.com/community/attachments/colin-lp-797-pdf.850425/

Website for article:

https://gammaelectronics.xyz/audiox_09-2007-LP797_.html

Bought a pair on FB Mktplc, about 2 years ago, and they are in v. good cond.
Before I begin this post, please let me know if you are aware of the official schematic diagram of the x-over? In the photos below, there are some shots of the OEM x-over in situ. I replaced orig. 6.8uF electro with a high-quality film.

After some initial tweaking, I compared them (using mono tracks) to my 1991 B&W 610's. With the L-pad (3-way switch on rear port) on HIGH, the 2Bs sound decent, but not as robust as the 610's. The 2B's also need more volume, but I do see (hear) some potential for improvement with small, incremental upgrades.

First, I think I'll start with the x-over (maybe replacing with ready-built 2-way), but I'm not certain what would be a good x-over frequency for the turnover? Again, I don't have the schematic or orig driver specs. Let me know!

I want to hold off on replacing the drivers, because: OEMs are in good shape,  and I want to preserve the orig. aesthetic, and am curious as to how far I can push an all-paper 70's budget design. 

Thx in advance!

https://preview.redd.it/gmcdlewy8dzg1.jpg?width=601&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b7f3254ac71d9402e30542e2c5fb551e1e243e0b

https://preview.redd.it/u1xchewy8dzg1.jpg?width=601&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f4ebf6d55d9c9a1b18451f5d63d966071f9e44c4

https://preview.redd.it/ns98nfwy8dzg1.jpg?width=601&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=aa4cccdfd3702e420b9ea51f74b572fdfadc6d83

https://preview.redd.it/tbof8gwy8dzg1.jpg?width=601&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=658803e04a7fc339548d19694a812c18d573528c

https://preview.redd.it/9gw6ggwy8dzg1.jpg?width=601&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=76ec3d48e183f01f78f5fe44212db70fc14840d1

https://preview.redd.it/1x8t3gwy8dzg1.jpg?width=601&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=87b4be6b01a49e37d5a7364bfd2819a7adf9b016

https://preview.redd.it/d0mevgwy8dzg1.jpg?width=601&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=46dc5f950cb6925200025c2080cdfb0070d5eb8d

https://preview.redd.it/rgcgmywy8dzg1.jpg?width=601&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e8089f1a6941da8c62fe2c02883b22a5726c878b

https://preview.redd.it/z10sxgwy8dzg1.jpg?width=601&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=37fd72a909acbce7ed2a075ebedd6fdbdba2d83f

https://preview.redd.it/ig0cnhwy8dzg1.jpg?width=601&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=026bb3b24f3f6ccb7aa61e3cd9e11f1ed6b7a673

https://preview.redd.it/1pt40iwy8dzg1.jpg?width=601&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2728ead0c85e57dd233a2538b22fd6907a8b5fb7

https://preview.redd.it/s6376iwy8dzg1.jpg?width=601&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1a0e8d735fa825ded00869e07a66bc601f2cde5e

https://preview.redd.it/bwxrlhwy8dzg1.jpg?width=601&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=7f5a469447fbdbb5310b059825e5a624e5eee458

https://preview.redd.it/dyab4iwy8dzg1.jpg?width=601&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f293bbe227cf45e29bac772a39d281e3bbd663f1

https://preview.redd.it/01hv6iwy8dzg1.jpg?width=601&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2006ea24db9eb3d1aed13c15c788082ead7ee997

REFS:

https://audiokarma.org/forums/threads/realistic-nova-6-refurbishment.333149/

https://audiokarma.org/forums/threads/realistic-optimus-2b-near-mint.588645/

https://www.hifi-guide.com/loudspeaker/realistic-optimus-2b/
https://dn721600.ca.archive.org/0/items/realistic-optimus/Realistic%20Optimus%20.jpg