VTF and VTA- Constant or not?

Agreed that everything we try to improve is for the sake of our own ears. My query was in fact triggered off when I played my old DGG Karajan's Beethoven Symphony No.5 and some of my beloved records. They used to be sounding very good and lively but they all failed this time. In short, I had to check the VTF and VTA/SRA all over again.

My 1st point: As cartridge ages and requests fine-tuning, so will the optimum VTF and VTA/SRA. Factory recommendations are only for reference and binding when the carts are still young and with original parts(i.e. not rebuilt by a third party).

My 2nd point: "Set and forget" won't be able to optimize the performance of a cart for a longer period of time. To me, it's not hassle, it's fun and challenge. Once succeeded in optimizing a cart, it gives satisfactions and enjoyments. That may be what this hobby is all about. In fact, "everything may change" means everyday could be a whole new experience! It's not boring, and a cart become more like an organic life form.

I had come across some tonearms with VTA on the fly. In brief, they couldn't satisfy me with "ultimate rigidity" and are more prone to "resonances" which are quite serious in my tiny listening room:)

best regards
Dan

Hi, Doug,

The only "proof" we require is that instruments and voices sound as real as possible.

Very good point. We can only be sure when a piano sounds like a piano, a cymbal sounds like a cymbal, and vocals sounds like somebody is singing live in front of you. Our musical perception should be established with our experience with live (esp.classical) concerts with mainly acoustic instruments, instead of based upon someone's top-notch audio system. Live performance always come first, audio system second or third. Life without live (concerts) could be a big mistake for any serious audiophile.

If you value set and forget and also value optimal performance, go to live concerts or play from digital sources.

The digital sources that could satisfy me are far too expensive than the vinyl setup!!! It seems I have to at least spend 3-5 times more...Esoteric? No way! dCS? Maybe...sorry, I'd rather buy an Audi A4 Quattro S-tronics and a couple of nice MC carts;)

Is ZYX UNIverse really that good, Doug? So many A'goners have one or two in their system. Is the Copper version(ending with "-X") the best? I just saw your article on fine-tuning ZYX's cart. It is really interesting...

Dan

...the correct VTF in a given cartridge defines the correct position of the cantilever (= the coils in the magnetic field) towards the magnet(s) and that the correct SRA/VTA is always a matter of the position of the polished area of the stylus towards the grooved wall.

Dertonarm, your description is simple but precise!

Ortofon/OPUS3 have the highest required setting - i.e. the tonearm almost horizontal. Mercury SR is the deepest. About 14 mm down with the tail with a 10" tonearm.
Everything else (read: all other record companies LPs between 1958 and 1984) fall between these two extremes.

Dertonarm, according to these findings, do you imply in most cases the optimum range for a tonearm could be from perfect horizontal up to 14mm tail-down?

Most cartridge suspensions soften with age and use, so VTF needs to be reduced accordingly. When our current UNIverse was new it needed ~1.70g. Today (2+ years later) it plays optimally (better in fact) at ~1.20g. That is not a typo.

Doug, exactly! When my MY Sonic Lab Ultra Eminent BC was new, it sounded best at ~2.1g. After 1.5 yr until now, the best VTF is somewhere at 1.6-1.7g. Not all cartridges behave this way, though.

Dan

I also have a list like Dertonarm's, though self generated and a bit half-assed.

To me, Doug, absolutely "Not". You are a real vinyl enthusiast! And it's nothing to do with how high pricey your equipments are.

I will try to experiment your "mistracking point" method to reset the VTF and report back later;)

Best regards
Dan