SL1210M5G and DL103R counterweight/Headshell problems

[Marco]

Nice one, Ronald! There you are, Freddy, sorted

Marco.

[Marco]

How minute are you talking?

As the reports states in an example, a 1mm change in arm height will change SRA by 0.19 degree. Given that changes in arm height at the pivot end have considerably less influence than any geometric changes at the cartridge end, just think of the relatively enormous changes in SRA that will be created by even the smallest of warps or imperfections in a record, or the difference in thickness between records!

Your point about the thickness of records is valid, and so ideally, one should adjust VTA when switching between playing thin bog-standard vinyl, and say, 200g audiophile pressings, as the difference in thickness of records will alter VTA sufficiently for the effect to be audible. Sometimes I do, but most of the time, I simply set VTA for the best compromise between various vinyl thicknesses, and live with it. One can sometimes be too obsessive...

However, I've heard notable changes in sound with incremental adjustments to VTA of as little as 0.5mm. In my experience, ALL adjustments on a T/T set-up have a significant impact on how faithfully music is reproduced: minute adjustments to azimuth, for example, where the headshell is tilted very, very slightly to one side or the other, can be the difference between no sibilance on 's' sounds, and the introduction of some, and with it, distortion.

Tiny incremental changes to VTF can be the difference between the cartridge possessing the ability to track 'difficult' passages of music on certain albums, as well as controlling whether the cartridge sounds bright, dull, or just right - in the exact same way as tonearm VTA, if notably 'out', can make the partnering cartridge sound forward and 'shouty', or muddy and bass-heavy.

In all honesty, and I mean no offence, if you can't hear any of that, then I really don't know quite what to say, as it should be immediately obvious to anyone with discerning ears and an ability to differentiate between what sounds right and what doesn't.

Marco.

[keiron99]

However, I've heard notable changes in sound with incremental adjustments to VTA of as little as 0.5mm.

So what you are saying is that you can hear when the SRA is adjusted by less than one tenth of one degree. Put it another way, a “variation” of about 0.001%. (Someone may care to check my maths...but either way it is a vanishingly small number.)

Really, that is an astonishing, exceptional talent (or curse).

In all honesty, and I mean no offence, if you can't hear any of that, then I really don't know quite what to say, as it should be immediately obvious to anyone with discerning ears and an ability to differentiate between what sounds right and what doesn't.

No offence taken, I feel blessed!

(I believe I am right in saying I am in the company of Rega's Roy Gandy on this matter so I don't feel too left out!)

[Marco]

Lol.... That's cool, as long as you're happy.

In terms of your first point. I hear what I hear. I don't give a jot about the maths

Marco.

[keiron99]

I got my Counterweight and spacers from Speedy Steve, they look great. but....I have a problem getting the bespoke C/W over a little nub/tongue thing (not sure what it's called) towards the end of the tonearm. I am hoping to not have to take the whole thing apart, and also fear that removing the little piece will prevent me from ever using the stock technics counterweight for lighter headshell/cart combos. here is a pic so you guys can see what i am talking about. thanks ahead a time for your help. [IMG]20150422_193922 by Velvet Spider, on Flickr[/IMG]

So was it established exactly what this little lump is?

[germbox]

Keiron,

On the inside of the stock counterweight, there is a swirl that goes from front to back. The lump/tongue glides thru as you adjust the C/W ...... I THINK??