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What LPs do you use for VTA adjustment

Hi. I'm a newbie to this forum, and also to VTA adjustment. Been making GROSS changes to my system over the past couple of weeks, which has resulted in my getting an SME V arm to replace the RB300 on my Voyd Valdi TT, at least for now. Now for the first time, I have an arm with adjustments.

My system was optimised to my budget in the mid 80s, during my TAN (The Audiophile Network - any members here?) days: Voyd TT, British/Musical Fidelity MVT preamp, 4 MA-50 poweramps (mono 50w Class A), Rogers Studio 1a speakers vertically bi-amped, Kimber PBJ and 4TC. My current cartridge is an original Vdh MC10. The only things that have changed over the years have been cartridges and CD players.

Been playing with the HFNRR test record for tracking and anti skating adjustments. Trying to figure out what all the fuss is about VTA. The 3 records I've tried so far are Ella & Louis "Together Again" MSFL Mono, Patricia Barber "Modern Cool" MSFL, and Air "Walkie Talkie". Other than making the cartridge mistrack when the rear of the arm got too low, I'm not sure if I've honed in on the sound changes. I'm probably being overwhelmed by how good it sounds relative to the RB300, especially in the bass.

Am i right in saying its not just VTA, but a combo of VTA and VTF that needs to be adjusted? When the rear of the arm is low, more weight makes it track again.

Can you guys/gals (if any here) recommend records and tracks that YOU use for VTA setup, and what you listen for.

Right now, with the stylus in the leadout groove, using the SME V ruler to the center line on the arm, front of the arm is at the trackout groove is 1cm above the LP, rear of the arm just after the leadin groove is 0.9cm - so rear is appx 1mm lower. Anyone have or remember what setting they use on the VdH MC10? VTF at 1.8 gms.

Any volunteers in Stamford, CT that want to lend me their ears?

Thanks, Samir.
gofast

Showing 2 responses by rushton

rushton's avatar
rushton
2,445 posts
 
"If/when you want to get more into it, setting by ear is the only way of course."

Dougdeacon's comment above is absolutely true. For some guidance on the relatively simple process of setting up your turntable by ear, read Lloyd Walker's process which he follows in setting up and dialing in his turntables. Works every time, and if you haven't taken the time to do the final dialing in that Lloyd describes, you're likely missing what your system is capable of delivering...

http://www.walkeraudio.com/fine_tuning_your_turntable.htm

Pay particular attention to Lloyd's recommendation to use an LP with acoustic complex music, classical or complex jazz. I particularly like Stravinsky's "Firebird" on Mercury (Classic Records reissue).
rushton's avatar
rushton
2,445 posts
 
Dougdeacon, the Stravinsky Firebird is the Dorati performance with the LSO, but in stereo. The 45 rpm version is incredible. Both the 33 and 45 versions are still available from Acoustic Sounds. The 45 is at a premium price since they are out of print, but the 33 has been reissued by Classic and is available at regular price once again.
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