2. analog
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VTA: am I nutz?

Here's why I think I may need to have my head examined. (OTOH, I *did* hit it on the ice last week...hmm...) Anyway, my several weeks' experience in adjusting VTA during play on my Aries 2/JMW-10/Denon 103D has led me to the following conclusion: what I expected was that somewhere in the range of adjustment would be a smaller range which sounded better than the rest, and that below it would be dark and lacking in highs, and above it would be hard and bright.

However, my observation is that no such range exists. Rather there is ONE CORRECT SETTING for each record, from which you may not deviate. Nor is the "above is bright" and "below is muddy" rule always the case. In fact, I find that there is very little variation either above or below the magic setting.

Now this may sound contradictory, but it IS true that I make all my adjustments from record to record within a range of about 20-30 increments on the dial. So while the sound doesn't vary in any logical way within that range, the IDEAL setting will always be found within that range. And yes, thicker records will require a higher setting while thinner will require a lower. No mystery there.

I guess my question is this: is this "only one magic point" finding in agreement with that of other people? Or am I some kind of analog mental case?

Please, 'cause I'm about ready to order the straitjacket... ;-)
bublitchki

Showing 1 response by dan_ed

dan_ed
2,451 posts
 
I agree with all above. This whole thing about getting the SRA to 2 degrees is itself a compromise setting that will theoretically give you the "optimum" playback for the statistical majority of LPs you spin on your table.

I'm sure we all have found LPs that sound fabulous always and even get abit sweeter when you hit that majic VTA. Then there are those turkeys that don't sound that great no matter what you do.

But to answer your question, yes, you are nutz. I consider being a little nutz to be a common trademark amoung vinyl addicts. But you're right on the mark with this topic IMHO.
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