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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
audionoobie
lewm
14,671 posts
 
I have commonly found that lowering the pivot with respect to the headshell does shift tonal balance toward the bass and that raising the pivot above level with respect to the headshell does shift tonal balance toward the treble, which, as you say, can enhance sibilance.  There are good reasons for this. Using a thicker mat doesn't help enough with VTA adjustability on the 1200GR?  Are all the G series models similarly affected? At least Audionoobie knows he has company.
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
Technics EPA-100 is much better tonearm and can be adjusted properly on any turntable.

Regarding G or GR stock tonearm all you need is a thicker mat or spacer between cartridge and shell and then tonearm will be parallel if you wish to.
avanti1960
1,744 posts
 
make sure u are using the stock headshell, it puts the cartridge lower than other aftermarket headshells. 
to level the assembly level the platter in all directions, put a small round level on top of the flat part of the headshell (temporarily adjust vtf to compensate for the weight).  then adjust tonearm height dial to level the headshell. 
use of a thicker mat helps with my cartridge, i use a 4mm herbies, stock mat is 3mm. 
also i believe many use a spacer on top of the cartridge to lower it further and add mass, which helps with the system resonance.  
it looks like a denon cart is about 2mm too short to be level on a stock GR at the lowest tonearm height
cleeds
6,570 posts
 
chakster
... if you can't detect any problem with positive VTA just enjoy!
VTA is always positive, by definition.
Remember that VTA is the angle of the cantilever to the LP surface.
audionoobie's avatar
audionoobie OP
382 posts
 
Such great information offered by everyone here. It's good to know that this issue has been observed by others. I don't think I'm going to put much mental energy into this as the table/ cart sound great. 

Thanks again everyone.
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