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Anti-Skate dial-How to set it? + a bonus question

I bought a Hitachi SP-15 TT at a tag sale which also had a decent cartridge (Signet AMS-10 a MM). It has an Anti- Skate dial numbered 0-5. I am used to the little dangling wieght in tables from this era. Does anyone know where I should set it to, assume normal conditions.
Question 2. I have no tracking force scale either. With this issue I tried a couple of positions and settled on what seems like a light force. It yields the best details and creates the best soundstage.Will I miss out on something by keeping it on the light side?
My "bonus" question is- Do any of you change the downward force for a specific album or song to improve the sonics? Even if only once in a while it seems to make a big difference.
mechans

Showing 2 responses by mechans

mechans OP
3,048 posts
 
So Stanwal, while it seems a precise science what is wrong listening for the sound tou like the best?/ I noticed that no one amongst the analog gurus will say they change he VTF for specific recordings. I hope more respond.
mechans OP
3,048 posts
 
Well after very careful and long listening with my new toy I did indeed notice that the anti-skate had a distinct effect on the sound of the left channel mainly. Skipping and mistracking was fairly uncommon even when VTF was on the lighter side "light". I still found that the cartridge performed beter in my view with lighter VTF.
This old Signet AMS really digs up lots of fine detail that I have not heard with other MM carts. It is really a very nice surprise and the Tag Sale price even better.
I am not sure who made the tone arm for this Hitachi table but it couldn't be all that bad as some have suggested. It has that typical 70s semi-S shaped Japanese arm that seemed to be on most mid fi+ tables. With the anti-skate as a dial vs the little dangling wieght. It also has a highly stylized perforated detachable aluminum (I think) headshell which will make comparing carts easy when I finally get my real gear back. I am separated from my equipment as well as my soon to be Ex wife.
Thanks a lot for the input and advice. You analog guys rarely seem to agreeon anything. I am afraid that I am becoming one myself, these days I rarely listen to CDs. With my other equipment I listened to CDs 90% of the time.
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