Tracking issue with dynavector 20XL

VPI suggests tracking that cartridge above the manufacturers figure. I can't find my notes but I believe I'm tracking my 20XM at around 2.375 (on a Scout). Call Mike at VPI and he will give you guidance. BTW, once you get it set up at the higher tracking force run the bias test again--you will probably get the same result. I tried everything including the anti-skate kit from VPI to resolve this to no avail. I'm not sure how much it matters, the table sounds great to me!

Thanks Dodgealum, I guess it must be something in the design of the cartridge. I've read here on the 'gon that some members have added 3 gram spacers to their arms with some Dynavector cartridges. I wonder if adding mass would help?

Flyfisher,

You are misunderstanding the use of those tracks on the HFN&RR record. They are not "tests" that must be "passed". (This misunderstanding isn't your fault. The instructions that come with the record are nearly as faulty as those tracks themselves.)

With many cartridges, including your new Dyna, the only way to play track 8 (or 9!) cleanly is to increase VTF and/or anti-skate to very excessive levels. This does not indicate a flaw in your cartridge or setup. It indicates the tracks are doing what they were DESIGNED to do: MAKE your cartridge mistrack. The point of those tracks is to let you hear INCIPIENT mistracking so you can adjust anti-skating to equalize it across both channels.

While I strongly dislike those tracks due to several flaws in their methodology and implementation, if you INSIST on using them here's the proper way:

1) with antiskate at zero and VTF set at normal levels (for the cartridge) find the ONE track that causes SLIGHT mistracking (buzzing) in the R channel.

2) increase anti-skating until the buzzing is equal in both channels.

That's it. You're done. The HFN&RR record can do no more for your setup. Don't bother trying to play the more difficult tracks. They are of no use for this particular cartridge. The only track that matters is the ONE that initiates mis-tracking. Trying to "pass" more difficult tracks will lead to inaccurate setup.

Much better than any test record is learning how to adjust VTF and anti-skating by listening to music. The amount of each force required for optimum cartridge performance will be different (less) on real records than on test records with their artificially high amplitudes. I've set up a couple dozen cartridges in the last year. In no case did I use a test record, or wish that I had.

Doug

Doug:

This is very interesting since I spent considerable time trying (in vain) to "pass" each successively tougher test, primarily by playing with the anti-skate adjustment. This I did first by twisting and untwisting the tonearm lead (as per the original Scout manual) and then later by adjusting the weight on the anti-skate kit provided as an upgrade by VPI. (At one point I was playing with both the lead wire AND the weight, trying to get just the right combination of forces to counteract the mistracking I heard on tracks 7-9. I don't feel too stupid since I agree with you--the directions seem to lead one to try and eliminate the buzz through proper adjustment of the anti-skate bias. I'll now have to go back and try again with your approach. Let me make sure I have this correct--the idea in using the test record is to try to get the buzzing the same in both channels--correct? I think that is about what I have right now, which would explain why I am getting good sound despite all the buzzin goin on.

Let me ask you a question--given the misdirections how did you figure out the answer?

Thanks
Mark

Let me make sure I have this correct--the idea in using the test record is to try to get the buzzing the same in both channels--correct?

Correct, using whichever one of bands 6-9 on Side 1 causes just enough buzzing to be audible.

A BETTER way to use the HFN&RR record to adjust antiskating is to play the three, widely spaced "Tracking Test" bands on side two. Skating forces vary from outer to inner grooves, so using three widely spaced bands is superior to using just one. IF your cartridge buzzes on these bands (some won't), adjust antiskating until the buzzing is roughly equal L/R on all three bands. Very careful setups will have equal buzzing on the middle band and mirror-imaged buzzing on the inner and outer bands.

The BEST way to use the HFN&RR record is to support a stack of real records, to keep them from warping. Mine hasn't left its sleeve in over a year.

I think that is about what I have right now, which would explain why I am getting good sound despite all the buzzin goin on.

Sounds right to me!

Let me ask you a question--given the misdirections how did you figure out the answer?

Research here and on VA, setting up lots of cartridges, listening while thinking, thinking while listening. :-)

- An "antiskating" band at only one location is wrong (skating forces vary across the record)

- The amplitudes of those bands are far higher than real music (and since skating varies with stylus/groove friction, unnaturally high amplitues yield false results)

Antiskating impairs any cartridge's sonic performance. Just ask Harry Weisfeld. The best sound is obtained using the least amount necessary to prevent mistracking. Once I learned how to hear antiskate changes while listening to music those faulty test tracks became altogether useless.

Try this: toss the HFN record into a corner and play the most dynamic record you own with antiskating set to zero. Reduce VTF in tiny increments until the cartridge starts to mistrack (buzz) on the R channel. Now add just enough antiskate to eliminate the buzzing and bump VTF back up by a couple hundredths of a gram - no more. Play your favorite records. I'll wager you'll be surprised by the sonic improvement.

Cheers,
Doug

P.S. An easy way to make tiny, repeatable VTF adjustments on arms that lack a fine adjustment is to slip a few O-rings onto or off of the end stub. You can reliably adjust VTF by just a couple hundredths of a gram with this method, which I use every day. (... and Raul has watched me do it and heard the results!)