AudiogoN Forums: Anti-skating question

Anti-skating question

I recently installed a new phono cartridge (DynaVector 10x4 MkII on Origin Live modified Rega RB250 on Planar 3 table). At first, I set the anti-skating force so that on a spinning grooveless record surface the tonearm would pretty much stay where it was set down or drift slowly outward. That, I assumed, was a pretty good and direct way to set the level of anti-skating force needed. Then, I put on HiFiNews&RecordReview’s test LP and used the anti-skating tracks – basically, you adjust the anti-skating until you hear no tracking distortion of the test signal in either channel. This procedure gave me a very different setting – one that does not counter (not nearly totally, anyway) the inward skating of the tonearm when set on a grooveless record surface. I would have thought the two methods would have produced more similar results. Any explanation for this? (I’ve stuck with the sonically-based setting for now.)

Jayboard (Threads | Answers | This Thread)

10-18-00

Responses (1-15 of 15)

Click title to read one, or click date to read all below it.

10-18-00 Your choice to use the sonically-based setting is correct. ... Albertporter

10-18-00 You have to remember that the reason anti skating is necessa ... Hifiharv

10-18-00: Kevin@museelectronics.com
The correct use of anti-skating bias force is to counteract the force generated by the rotating (and modulated) groove interface with the stylus. A blank album side exhibits none of the characteristics of a real record. There are a number of reasons, some of which have already been stated, but using a blank record side will always leave you with much lower anti skating than would be necessary. The method of using distortion detection is a good approach, assuming that you have a test record with increasing modulation levels. Play the record up to the modulation level that causes audible distortion noting which channel is distorting. Increase (likely) the bias force and perform the test again, hopefully you will find that the distortion now occurs only at a higher modulation level. Continue the process until you reach a point where both channels distort at the same modulation level. Keep in mind that tracking force will greatly affect your levels of bias force. A good starting point is to use the highest tracking force recommended by the cartridge manufacturer. Do not fear going even slightly higher, cartridge (and LP) wear are typically caused by inadequate tracking force, this is due to the loss of contact between the stylus and the modulated groove. Kevin Halverson
Kevin@museelectronics.com

10-19-00 Well stated, kevin and albert. Carl_eber

10-19-00 Good info here guys. thanks for taking the time to post it. ... Sean

10-20-00 Thanks very much for the replies, folks. my puzzlement is t ... Jayboard

10-20-00 Sean, the record i mentioned in my original post covers the ... Jayboard

10-26-00 A bit off topic, but does anybody know of a website with tur ... Arcmania

10-30-00 Arcmania, laura dearborn's article on turntable setup shows ... Jayboard

10-30-00 Hmm, lost some info in my previous attempt to post this..... ... Jayboard

11-02-00 Thanks jayboard, those were very helpful Arcmania

11-15-00 You are right to set anti-skating by using modulated groves ... Bkearns

11-15-00 Interesting. my results were counter-intuitive (or at least ... Jayboard

01-06-01 This question is for jayboard: can you tell me the result ... Joepetro

01-07-01 Hi, joepetro. not to put you off, but i don't think you can ... Jayboard