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Dumb VTA Question

Sorry ... I have a dumb question about setting VTA. I own a VPI Classic TT which has "VTA on-the-fly" capability. My cartridge is the Lyra Kleos. When I mount the Kleos, the last adjustment is VTA. I start by setting VTA so that the tonearm appears horizontal. Then while I'm playing a record, I raise the tonearm and then lower it until I like what I hear.

Ok ... that's what I do. But here's the dumb question. Some vinyl buffs talk about setting VTA at 91.5 degrees, or 92.5 degrees, and the like. How the heck can someone know the degree of VTA adjustment with such precision?? Is there a tool or special protractor that permits such close adjustments?

Thanks for the education.

BIF
bifwynne

Showing 4 responses by peterayer

peterayer
1,382 posts
 
I thought I read that M. Fremer wrote that with a 9" arm, a 4mm change in height amounts to a 1 degree SRA change. I have a 12" arm and adjust my SRA for different LPs. I move my arm up and down in a 3mm range which amounts to about a 1/2 degree SRA difference. That sounds tiny, but it is audible and worth the effort to me. I don't then also adjust VTF and overhang, though I know they are effected.

I mark my LPs with the best setting height for reference and this does not correspond to the varying record thicknesses. For example, I have lots of LPs that are say 160g and they cover the full 3mm range of best VTA. Same for my 180g LPs.
peterayer
1,382 posts
 
I use a Mint LP arc-type protractor and looked at the alignment with slightly different SRA angles. The stylus tip basically shifted from the center of the inscribed arc line to the outer or inner edge of that line, and it is a very thin line. I can not really hear a difference in that small a change to overhang.
peterayer
1,382 posts
 
It depends on the stylus type. I think that the Ortofon Replicant stylus is meant to be measured along the rear edge of the stylus while most other stylus shapes are meant to be measured along the center shank axis. MF discusses this somewhere. You may find it in his Ortofon A90 review.
peterayer
1,382 posts
 
Thanks Doug.

As usual, Doug explains it as it is, or as it should be. The key is to know what to listen for. Doug explained that in another VTA thread.

I've got a USB microscope, but I use it only to take close up photos of the cartridge to confirm things I can't see quite as well with my naked eyes. eg. stylus shape, cantilever alignment, etc. It is a fun tool, but I no longer used it for SRA angles.

For a quick guide, I use a 10X loupe to confirm that the stylus is just past vertical, which is close enough to get started. Then, from there, I adjust by listening.
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