VPI non-Anti Skate Q

@cleeds 

your are right, however,

most of us ASSUME manufacturing perfection regarding zenith, and most are unwilling to spend $1,100. for AnalogMagik, (even if aware of the possibility, and Wally’s error % findings).

AI Quickie

"Azimuth and zenith are two distinct cartridge alignment parameters that address different angular errors:

• Azimuth refers to the vertical plane angle of the cartridge, viewed from the front.  It is the tilt of the cantilever left or right relative to the record surface. The goal is to have the stylus sit perfectly perpendicular to the groove walls to minimize crosstalk (signal leakage between channels) and maximize channel separation. It is typically adjusted by tilting the tonearm up or down at its pivot or by shimming the cartridge. 

• Zenith refers to the horizontal plane angle of the cartridge, viewed from above.  It is the rotation of the cartridge (like turning a clock face) to align the stylus with the record groove, compensating for errors where the stylus diamond is not mounted at a perfect 90-degree angle to the cantilever. Incorrect zenith shifts the tracking error null points and increases distortion. It is adjusted by rotating the cartridge slightly in the headshell. 

In short, azimuth is vertical tilt, while zenith is horizontal rotation.  Both are critical for optimal stereo imaging and low distortion, and both are best set using electronic measurement tools like AnalogMagik for accuracy."

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I should add, in addition to anti-skate, imbalanced one-sided wear of a stylus can occur by improper Azimuth, and/or Zenith, either/both of which can be more harmful to the LP’s grooves than slight anti-skate error. 

Especially if using an advanced stylus shape, closer to the shape of the cutter blade that made the grooves. This is why more careful alignment is needed when using those desirable shapes

Thanks for all the responses!

So, are you saying there might be damage to my LP now with non-anti skate?

Should i use Anti Skate in VPI?   Or what best suggestion?

I’m really worried about LP damage!

@mard 

General Schwartzkopf, Gulf War I, 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norman_Schwarzkopf_Jr.

Was asked by the press:

"Are you worried about Saddam’s 400,000 man army? he replied:

"The USA Military is not WORRIED about anything, we are ’concerned’ about ...."

You are right to be concerned, just figure out how to get the best results from your tonearm.

Deep pockets, $1,100 gets you Analog Magic.

My tools and methods are basic but satisfactory for me. They are listed here:

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/do-i-still-need-to-buy-a-stylus-force-gauge-if-i-can-get-the-settings-o

lewm's response:

"That’s enough detail to put off any newbie from ever playing a record."

Come on, read it twice, it's not that much, just many words to convey basic ideas, I praise myself on it being CONCISE. Hah!

https://www.sound-smith.com/faq/how-do-i-adjust-anti-skating-my-cartridge

Well opinions notwithstanding, let me interject a few facts.  I use a computer program called AnalogMagik to set up turntables.  It is a distortion analyzer program that measures distortion as I adjust each of the various aspects of both  cartridge and turntable.  Any and all adjustments can affect the others so the process involves quite a bit of back and forth to try and get the best balance that minimizes distortion as much as possible across all of the various factors.  That explains why no one adjustment should be considered more or less difficult or important than any other.  Anyhow, to your question concerning Antiskating specifically as it relates to VPI tonearms, it has been my experience and observation that generally they are often optimally served with very little to no antiskating.  I have decided to leave Antiskating force off on my own Fatboy equipped HW-40.  I do have a VPI prototype tonearm in development as this is written that looks terrific and that I expect to receive shortly.  It might be a different story, but that is something for the future.  AnalogMagik suggests that for tonearms 12" and longer AS is not required.  Since most VPI tonearms are at least 10", that might be explanatory in part for their recommendation.   Anyway, that answers the VPI question and you can stop reading.  For arms from other manufacturers the answer for Antiskate settings is not universal.  For SME arms, I find the factory settings are accurate and should be used.  For Technics, Antiskate settings seem to result in lowest distortion set at ~50% of recommended settings.  On a Denon DP-3000NE, that I just acquired, the factory settings proved to be accurate.  For most TTs from the EU, I am finding it best to start at 50% of recommended setting and increase only if you hear a slight mis-tracking in the upper mids to highs. My general advice is that while a small amount of AS is good, too much is worse than none at all.  So use a light touch.  Those are facts, based on AnalogMagik, measurements and careful listening during set up and a number of TTs, not opinions.