Turntable advice / opinion on setup / sound.

@richardbrand 

Isn't this about setting the two null points, i.e the tracking angle varies by 'no more than' 2 degrees (IF you set the two null points correctly)****.

The radial curve, is OFF a speck/CORRECT (null point one)/OFF a speck/CORRECT (null point 2)/OFF a speck.

how do you turn 2 degrees into a percentage or error?

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The VTA: most of us simply set the tonearm parallel when playing. Lately I set the headshell parallel when playing as I found two headshells that were not perfectly level/parallel with the arm.

By that method, are we more than likely getting the true SRA (stylus rake angle) close, but more than likely off by a percentage equal to 2 degrees off?

IOW, both are acceptable amounts of error from perfection.

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(IF you set the null points correctly)****.

This is why I wanted to know what the hell the two null points were for a Rega arm, for someone without the protractor you get in the box

@elliottbnewcombjr 

Isn’t this about setting the two null points

Far from it, from my point of view.  I was trying to point out the absurd lengths audiophiles go to in order to adjust for the optimal Vertical Tracking Angle, while completely ignoring the equally important Horizontal Tracking Angle for pivoted tonearms playing stereo records.

I am open to having my argument demolished, preferably by the application of physics or engineering principles!

Simple geometry shows that for a 9-inch tonearm with a 2-degree tracking error, the adjustment required to correct the error is about 8-mm at the tonearm pivot.  I was a bit surprised at my calculated result but I have triple checked it.

I’ve since found out that my calculation is supported by this hour-long video posted in another thread:.TURNTABLE SETUP BY A SCIENTIST - YouTube

He is not a fan of Rega, especially their use of one of the tonearm signal wires for grounding.

He is a great supporter of AnalogMagik Cartridge Alignment Software & Test LPs for actually measuring the critical setup variables.  @billstevenson no doubt agrees!  As you pointed out, there are production tolerances involved especially when you consider the microscopic dimensions of a stylus and cantilever.

Personally I am reluctant to spend significant amounts on AnalogMagik because my main deck, the Holbo air-bearing tangential tracking system, does not involve a pivoted tonearm, has a null point at every playing position, and creates near-zero skating force.  It also allows VTA to be adjusted on-the-fly.  I have not got around to using an oscilloscope and test record (I do have both) to do this properly.

@richardbrand 

I'm gonna watch the video now, but I must say, his look is the definition of SMUG.

@elliottbnewcombjr 

his look is the definition of SMUG

All that gear, and he cannot afford shoes!

I have not managed to watch all the video yet.  It is not helped along by the questioner who seems as DUMB as the scientist is SMUG.

Nevertheless, there is some good stuff in there, I think!  Like a rule of thumb that anti-skating should be about 11% of tracking force ...

"Nevertheless, there is some good stuff in there, I think!  Like a rule of thumb that anti-skating should be about 11% of tracking force ."

@richardbrand 

I posted that video link to illustrate what I was trying to convey using a reflex clamp, solving the OP's warped LP concern.

What I liked was that little hour counter for stylus play👍

I want that guys entire setup!

Reasonable views on audiophoolery.