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How to properly set VTF??


Hello there.

Just wondering which is the proper "placement" of the gauge to set the VTF for a cartridge. I use a digital gauge and normally fine tune by ear.

Method #1
Place VTF gauge directly on the turntable playing surface.

OR

Method #2
Place VTF gauge "outside" of the playing surface beyond the records edge.

I set the VTF at the recommended 1.96g using method #1. I then tried the #2 placement and the measurement read 2.14g for a difference of 0.18g

The only explanation I can think of that attributed to the weight difference is the anti-skate setting. On my arm (Tri-Planar) the anti-skate kicks in when the cartridge is on a playing surface, outside the playing surface the anti-skate is very minimal.

Which method do you think is best or is it arm dependent?

Cheers!
dogpile
jependleton
155 posts
 
The tracking force should be set with the tonearm in the 'playing' position, which means in a true horzontal position when the stylus tip is placed on the scale.
pbb
1,140 posts
 
I believe it should always be measured with the antiskate set at zero. Why sweat the details when, from your own admission, you fine tune by ear?
inpepinnovations1e75
395 posts
 
Since the sound that you are getting is perfectly satisfactory, use either method. The next time that you 'calibrate' the VTF, just remember to use the same method. Again, this illustrates the futility of 'ultra' precision in VTF measurements.
jameswei
883 posts
 
I believe the VTF varies with the height at which the gauge takes the measurement. (Graham addresses this with the new Phantom arm, which is designed to have the same VTF regardless of height.) I would recommend reading the VTF with the needle located at the height it will be when playing a record.
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