Broken stylus!

[AJSki2fly]

Thanks everyone. I do have an old (very old) HiFiNews test LP -but yet to use it with this combination; will do so later. I did raise the tail end of the arm 5mm or so and didn't like the sound and reverted to approx.8mm down. It rather enhance the bass so a little more experimentation is in order.

Hi Richard,

You might find this thread useful, https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threa...ception.35324/

Note that table in post #2 in the thread as below, where s is the increase in height of the tonearm and ?2 is the resulting angle of SRA (assuming the stylus is correctly mounted in the first place.

s (mm) ?2 (deg)
0.1 21.2
0.2 22.5
0.3 23.7

Conclusion: fraction of mm results in significant change in SRA. Note: slight over estimates

I have not checked the maths.

I believe the best method is to start with the head shell parallel to the record surface and then adjust the tonearm up or down a little at a time to get the best SQ.

[Bonky]

"I believe the best method is to start with the head shell parallel to the record surface and then adjust the tonearm up or down a little at a time to get the best SQ."

...or the arm being parallel(?)

Yes; I lack the necessary equipment to measure the SRA accurately (I still wonder about taking my Nikon , getting the lens very close, taking a pic and measuring the angles on my 5k monitor (Apple)).

Ortofon recommends the arm being parallel to a standard thickness(?) LP, so, as you suggest, I'll go back, start with that and see if the bass is tamed somewhat. I must admit I am impressed with the 2M Black (I assumed the AT MC cartridge would be slightly better - I was wrong!)

The maths is beyond me - I can't recall the last time I used Sin (but my wife has a 1st class hons in Maths, so I'll ask her).

I realise the maths won't alter, but is there any slight tinkering with the set-up depending on whether the arm is a unipivot (like mine) or a fixed-bearing one (SME?).

Thanks,

R

[Barry]

Yes, Adrian is right. Sadly some manufacturers quote a static compliance (usually US and UK manufacturers), whereas others (usually Japanese) quote the compliance at 100Hz.

What is needed is the compliance figure at around 10Hz. A good correction is to halve the figure quoted at DC, or to multiply the figure quoted at 100Hz by a factor of 1.5 to 2.0. If this is done the calculated resonance is around 7.5 to 8Hz. Still a trifle low, but it is a calculated value and in practice may not matter.

Similarly with the setting up of SRA, if you want to go to the trouble of measuring the angle of the cantilever with respect to the record surface, the true VTA will be roughly 2 to 3° lower.

As always use your ears to find the correct setting.

[Bonky]

Silly question...which is the more important to get right- the VTA or the SRA (I know they're interdependent)?

R

[Barry]

SRA, but to measure and adjust it directly is very difficult.

As I said, do what you are already doing - adjust it by experimenting with the height of the tonearm pivot. Just trust your ears!

I must have set up about 30 cartridges, in about half a dozen arms in my system over the years, and once setup, I leave things be and don't worry about it further.

[Bonky]

SRA, but to measure and adjust it directly is very difficult.

As I said, do what you are already doing - adjust it by experimenting with the height of the tonearm pivot. Just trust your ears!

I must have set up about 30 cartridges, in about half a dozen arms in my system over the years, and once setup. I leave things be and don't worry about it further.

Thanks Barry; understood.

[AJSki2fly]

SRA, but to measure and adjust it directly is very difficult.

As I said, do what you are already doing - adjust it by experimenting with the height of the tonearm pivot. Just trust your ears!

I must have set up about 30 cartridges, in about half a dozen arms in my system over the years, and once setup, I leave things be and don't worry about it further.

I do much the same. I select a few tracks that are very well known to me and listen carefully after each adjustment.

I use:-

Eva Cassidy - 'Fields of Gold' from the 7lp boxed set Nightbird, I listen for clear definition of each guitar and harmonics from the electric on and also listen out for Eva's breathiness and minimal sibilance.

Ravi Shankar - Portrait of Genius(Stereo) Track 1 - Tala Rasa Ranga, this has very good Tabla drumming, wood block, hand percussion and flute, and obviously sitar. If cartridge is set up right there is clear definition of the hollowness of the Tablas and hand hits, the block has a great sharpness and echo, and the flute is has lovely airiness without being harsh. The Sitar sit centre stage and takes a less prominent roll. The soundstage is quite wide with this.

Supertramp - 'Schools Out' from Crime of the Century, this has huge dynamics and is a good one to highlight bass and top end, if the harmonica at the start sounds thin thin or recessed then I know the cartridge is out, there is a repeated bass run and this is a two note repeat, but due to the extension in it if the cartridge is not right(arm too low at rear) then the clarity is lost and they appear to blend together.

Charlie Byrd - Taboo from Guitar Artistry of Charlie Byrd (a great album), this track is effectively laid down live in a venue, not sure where, there is great drumming with brushes and cowbell, also the ambience of the room should be heard due to its echo, near the start someone leaves and a door can be heard shutting to the left. Charlie Byrd uses various techniques but this has a load of harmonic plucking. The bass is played very sympathetically and is sometimes quite subdued, listen for the finger on the strings during its solo. If you can hear all clearly then the arm/cartridge will be set up well.

One word of caution, remember that all our systems and ears have good and not so good aspects, so just get it to sound as good as you can to your ears, and then enjoy.

[Bonky]

I'm using the whole of side 1 of Tracy Chapman's 1st LP -simply wonderful. I will see if I can dig-out the Supertramp's LP.

Thanks

[walpurgis]

I've used records with serious dynamics in the past, I found them informative when setting up Decca cartridges as some tracks tended to reveal the tracking issues Deccas were known for. (much as loved Deccas, I no longer use them)

[AJSki2fly]

Silly question...which is the more important to get right- the VTA or the SRA (I know they're interdependent)?

R

Hi

I was looking for a good explanation of it all and how to do it.

This from Ortofon is very good IMO and I learnt something about setting up anti-skating

https://youtu.be/Kr4Adsc0gFA?si=Hn1er73rojNqEV8F

This should help


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