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Tracking error distortion audibility

I recently unpacked my turntable from a couple of years of storage. It still sounds very good. Several times during playback of the first few albums I literally jumped from my chair to see which track was playing as it sounded so great. After a while I realized the "great" sound was always at one of the "null" points. They seem to occur at the approximately the proper place (about 125mm from spindle) and near the lead out groove. Questions:
Is this common? I have improved the resolution of my system since the table's been in storage but I don't remember hearing this before.
All others geometric sources of alignment error not defined by the null points (VTA, azimuth etc.) are essentially constant through out the arc correct? If so they should cancel out. I assume the remedy is a linear tracking arm but I am surprised at how obviously better the sound is at these two points.
Table - AR ES-1, Arm - Sumiko MMT, Cart. - Benz Glider, Pre - Audible Illusions, Speakers - Innersound electrostatic hybrid
Do linear arms really sound as good across the whole record as I hear at only the nulls with my set-up?
feathed

Showing 1 response by dougdeacon

dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Axelwahl,

Sorry for your sonic pain. I've no doubt you hear exactly what you describe. I used to hear it too. I don't now, ever, and I agree with Dan_ed. Inner (or outer) groove distortion does not have to be accepted.

There's at least one thing you didn't mention and presumably haven't tried (because your tonearm won't let you?). You haven't done a really good alignment of your cantilever zenith angle. This requires a headshell with room for movement (ie, slots) and a truly good protractor.

Sliding an SME back and forth moves the null points, which is why you can shift the distortion from inside grooves to outsidge grooves, but it doesn't change the overall alignment scheme to one that eliminates distortion at both extremes. For that you need a top quality protractor designed to such a scheme and a tonearm that will let you use it.

Until you have the right tools, you'll continue to beat your head against this wall.

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