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Technics SL-1200GR setup question

Hey A'goners,

I recently purchased a Technics SL-1200GR TT and am very pleased with it. I purchased used and it came with a Denon D-110 cart.

My understanding is that when the VTA is properly setup, the tonearm should be parallel with the surface of the record. In my case, the arm tilts down slightly. In other words, it's higher in the back and lower near the cart. The tonearm adjustment is as low as it goes. If I lift up the tonearm to make it level it is probably a good 1/4."

Does anyone have any suggestions here? Is this common or an acceptable degree of tilt? I don't think a shim is going to get 'er done here. 

I appreciate any and all suggestions. 

Thanks,
Joe
128x128audionoobie
audite84
110 posts
 
OP, 

The height that gives you the best sound overall is the right height for your cartridge, as it most probably is near or just at the right stylus rake angle, which matters more than VTA.
Here's an article from Analog Planet: https://www.analogplanet.com/content/how-use-usb-digital-microscope-set-92-degree-stylus-rake-angle-sra Seven paragraphs down the article, there's a link to another article, "More than One VTA" which explains why SRA matters more. I never got to adjusting my SRA using a camera microscope, but I do it by ear by adjusting arm height until I get the best sound. Hope that helps. 
audionoobie's avatar
audionoobie OP
357 posts
 
Thank you everyone for the replies. 

@lewm There is no further adjustability. The ring that adjusts the tonearm height is on 0 and cant be turned any further. 

@noromance There is non distortion that I can detect. 
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Technics tonearm is normally NOT parallel to the record, the rear part is a bit higher. but you have to watch cartridge body. Some of mine on Technics are the Victor and Sony. As you can see cartridge body is pretty much parallel to the record surface. Read what A.J. Van den Hul said about tonearm VTA, if you can't detect any problem with positive VTA just enjoy! 
lewm
12,611 posts
 
Thanks for responding to my question, Audionoobie. The 1200 GR is a very popular choice among those who post here. I wonder whether anyone else who owns the 1200 GR with its standard tonearm could comment on your experience . I still find it odd or surprising at least that VTA adjustment is so limited. However, if it sounds good the way it is, it is good.
elliottbnewcombjr
5,255 posts
 
OP, I think you are fine.

I now have two arms with VTA on the fly, adjust while listening, and, like prior TT arms, I find a slight tilt down is best.

Prior Audio Technica TT was the same way, arm at zero/lowest had a slight tilt down. Sounded terrific.

VTA is really to get SRA correct, Stylus Rake Angle, tip in the groove: +/- 92 degrees

https://www.ortofon.com/hifi/products/hifi-cartridges/mc-a95/set-up/#:~:text=STYLUS%20RAKE%20ANGLE%2...

You can move your TT anywhere, a position where you can view sideways thru a magnifying glass, set arm height, then put TT where it belongs. 

I bought one of these, easy to check VTA which is easier to see, then view Stylus tip with magnifying glass.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HF9PEA4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1


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