The
XT-R represents a distinctive electronic approach to solving crosstalk
inherent in many turntable cartridges and acoustic problems due to axial
tilt. We have placed the name Foz in honor of the XT-R’s designer, Jim
Fosgate. Jim (Foz) Fosgate’s life long career in audio design represents
decades of work on every possible circuit approach to car stereo,
surround processors, tube amplifiers, preamplifiers, phono preamplifiers
and other accessories. This wide array of designs have all been
explored in depth, built, and auditioned by Foz. In coupling Foz’s XT-R
design with Jolida’s decades of manufacturing experience; the result is a
unit which can provide our customers with a distinct improvement in
turntable sound reproduction at an affordable price.
To obtain high performance from a modern phonograph system, the tone
arm and pickup cartridge must be properly adjusted to within a few
thousands of an inch to minimize the effect of axial tilt. Axial tilt is
when the cartridge needle of the turntable is not perpendicular to the
record groove. In addition, a low dB channel separation of the cartridge
can result in crosstalk. Crosstalk is simply the stereo signal from the
left side leaking into the right side, and the stereo signal from the
right side leaking into the left side. Phono Cartridge crosstalk has a
great effect on sound stage depth and width, as well as the position of
sounds across the stage. When the crosstalk is “in phase” on both
channels the stage width and depth will be reduced. When the crosstalk
is “out of phase” on both channels the stage will be wider and deeper.
When azimuth is off the crosstalk on one channel will be “in phase” and
the other will be “out of phase”. This tilts the stage to one side or
the other and effects the positioning across the sound stage.
Foz has designed an elegant electronic circuit to effectively reduce
crosstalk and axial tilt. The XT-R represents a breakthrough since axial
tilt and crosstalk is compensated for electronically and does not use
the traditional approach of physical adjustment to mitigate the
problems. The XTR incorporates signal cancellation to reduce inter
channel crosstalk. This is the same technique that is used in high
separation surround processors. The XTR corrects for a misaligned stylus
or cantilever, misaligned generator, misaligned tone arm azimuth (axial
tilt). It also reduces crosstalk from cross coupling of the generator
coils or tone arm wiring. This works with moving magnet, moving iron,
and moving coil cartridges. The XT-R will compensate for up to 7 degrees
of axial tilt and can improve crosstalk to a maximum of 40dB. The
result will be an improvement in stereo imaging.
