Analog Magic Question

It’s not ideal or universal for any TT.  In my case I had to set the VTA level higher than suggested due to the fact that lower border of VTA adjustment was limited by the bottom of tonearm lift base and at the time when correct (parallel) VTA level was set the bottom of lift device was actually touching the arm board and didn’t move whole way. In simple words, some TT has unique design and mechanical specs which could make difficult implementation of the program. 

I read through the posts at WBF before I bought the software, but I don’t participate there, rather I was hoping to find someone to converse with here where I am more comfortable.  Anyway, I am a new user, have used it so far on two TT, my VPI HW-40, and on my SL 1200 GAE.  On the VPI, I have mounted a SoundSmith Hyperion at the moment, and I have spent perhaps 6-8 hours working on that combination so far.  I intend to go back to it, as it is an iterative process where the adjustment of one parameter affects others and so you go back and forth trying to achieve the best balance of all the variables.  For those who are not familiar with Analog Magic, each variable (i.e. VTF, Zenith, Antiskate, VTA etc.) is evaluated by measuring distortion. When an adjustment is made to lower the distortion of any of these variables, obviously it can affect others.  Hence the need to go back and check and readjust and so forth.  This is no different from what I have done for years using test records and an "O" scope, but it is orders of magnitude more advanced.  I have learned several things so far.  The improvement so far on my VPI/Hyperion cannot be overstated, it is profound.  I have also been able to vindicate VPI’s claim that antiskate does nothing useful on their arm.  On my Technics, I have tried setting up two cartridges:  Ortofon 2M Black and VAS Nova.  The 2M Black stylus is defective, not worn out, defective, I’ve owned it for years and did not know.  A replacement LVB is on order.  The VAS Nova set up ok, but failed the arm resonance test in the vertical plain, although it passed in the lateral.  When there is a failure, be it the TT or the cartridge, as was reported in the referenced WBF thread, I don’t see that as a weakness of Analog Magic.  If, for example, the TT can’t pass the speed test and it can’t be adjusted, there is a clear message.  In my case as cited here with cartridges, I need to change cartridges or live with the distortion.  Facts are facts.  To say Analog Magic does not work with all TTs is true, it will not work with broken or defective ones.

I personally use analog magic at home and at audio shows.  It is a great tool for setup and I definitely notice the difference.  But, as you say, it is a lengthy process to do properly, as you have to go back and forth to fine tune every step.  Watching the tutorial videos on https://www.analogmagik.com/turntable-setup helps considerably.  I know at least one turntable setup person, Dr. Vinyl, who uses this software when he sets up turntables for his clients.  I am not an expert, by any means, but this software works great for me.

Hi Bob,

Thanks for sharing your insight.  It does not surprise me that Analog Magic is used by professionals.  It is clearly a professional tool.  Although the program itself is easy to use, getting optimal results in set up is time consuming and not guaranteed.  There is skill involved here, which is why I was hoping to find someone to mentor me.  

Take Care,

Bill

The only issue I have with the Analog Magic is their speed test.

It is not possible to accurately measure platter speed using a test tone.

The only accurate way is to use a rotary function generator.

Here is a quote from Bruce Thigpen - Eminent Technology

Reviewers have incorrectly attributed wow and flutter to the turntable. Since the advent of the belt drive turntable, wow and flutter has been purely a function of tonearm geometry, the phono cartridge compliance with the elastomeric damping, and surface irregularities in the LP. In our own lab we have measured many high quality turntables using a rotary function generator directly connected to the platters of the turntables.

The measured results are usually an order of magnitude better than the results using a tonearm and test record (conventional wow and flutter method). Further proof exists if you take two tonearms, one straight line and one pivoted and mount them both on the same turntable. The straight line tonearm will give a wow and flutter reading with the same cartridge/test record of about 2/3 to 1⁄2that of the pivoted arm (.03% < .07% to .05%). This is because the straight line tonearm has a geometry advantage and lateral motion does not result in stylus longitudinal motion along the groove of the record.

Another proof is to take two different cartridges, one high compliance and one low compliance, and take measurements with both using the same turntable and tonearm. The reading of wow and flutter will be different. All wow and flutter readings are higher than the rotational consistency of the turntable.