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Thoughts on VTA......

I have read countless posts where members are spending hours on exacting setup of their VTA with varying levels of tools.

Then there is another camp who set by ear.

My thoughts/questions on this subject arise from vinyl thickness difference.

Surely going from a flimsy flier early 70,s vinyl to a later 180 or even 200gm issue is going to change that painstakingly set VTA considerably.

So thoughts rattling round is why go to all that trouble when it IS going to change depending on the vinyl played?

To my mind it would appear that one of the arms that includes on the fly VTA adjustment would be the answer.

Your opinions or suggestions?
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Showing 4 responses by stringreen

stringreen's avatar
stringreen
5,112 posts
 
Not important....set the arm at level or slightly higher and be done with it.  Azimuth however should be as close to perfect as you can get it...greatly affects the sound
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
5,112 posts
 
how can you use different platter mats ......every one sounds different.  I find rear arm height makes little difference when near the "ideal" whatever that is.....however correct azimuth is a huge deal for quality sound.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
5,112 posts
 
When I have azimuth corrected, the soundspace opens with increased depth and air.  Height adjustment brings  bass tubbiness, or string screetch.... Height of tonearm also varies VTF, and overhang.  Use a magnifying glass to see that as you raise, or lower the arm, it moves farther away one way or another from the inscribed line of an arc protractor.  I find that the manufacturers recommendation for VTF is best.  That way, the suspension system is aligned as intended. Some people call the assiduous tinkering with all these adjustment a pain....others savor the results of a properly adjusted arm.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
5,112 posts
 
Veridian....I'm a pro musician myself.  Music sounds WAY different from the audience than when one is performing it on stage.   Personally I listen for music differently than as an audiophile.  Sometimes I play the record twice for each of the experiences.
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