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The relationship between VTA and VTF

What a can of worms....I experimented with my Graham 1.5's VTA dial and found that I could get a change of ~0.1g VTF with ½ turn of the VTA vernier. So when I reduce the arm height of the Graham - or put on a thicker record - I'm increasing the VTF.

This increase in VTF as pivot point lowers in relation to the stylus contact point is apparently a trait of 'stable balance' arms (MF mentions this about the Graham 2.2 in his Phantom review. Apparently the 'neutral balance' of the Phantom avoids this.). I just didn't think it would be this significant.

I.E if I have the VTF adjusted for best sound with a 120g record - putting on a 200g (which raises the stylus height relative to the pivot) increases VTF. Raising the arm pillar height restores the relative stylus to pivot height and hence the VTF.

Upon reflection the actual change in angle of the stylus (which is extremely slight) might not have much to do with the change in sound - the change/restoration in VTF is probably what I'm hearing.

Can anyone else with a Graham confirm this?

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Showing 1 response by hdm

hdm
1,056 posts
 
I'm not sure what a "stable balance" arm is as opposed to a "neutral balance" arm. I think that virtually all pivoted arms will exhibit this trait-I know mine does. You can drive yourself crazy with this stuff if you let it. I don't have any VTA on the fly capability so I simply adjust VTF to be at the high end of the range I want with thicker pressings knowing I'll have a little less VTF with normal records.

I would be curious about the "neutral balance" of the Phantom though and whether or not it really eliminates this if anyone can elaborate.
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