Hifitime: Thanks for the links. I will try what you are saying in conjunction with what Mmakshak has suggested.
Stringreen: I noticed with the Ebony, concerning VTA, my arm appears to be tipped up in the back but the playback sounds more smooth and the highs generally sound silkier then when the arm looks level. Also, it sounds like you can peer into the mix better and each instrument has more space around it and the soundstage seems deeper and reverb/echo sounds more connected to the sound generating it. Yes I love the cartridge. The value of the investment is found in getting the settings right and there is a narrow setting for the VTA. I've had it for a while and I'm just finding that out. Concerning the shape of the singles I'm trying to play, I do feel there may be some damage to them and there is nothing I can do about that.
Dougdeacon: I will try spinning the platter slowly and then determine if it's groove damage. Sounds like a great tip! Should I remove A/S for that exercise due to turning the platter slowly the centripetal force will be very low then?
I'm tracking at 1.86g and the range is 1.8-2g measured using my Acoustech Stylus Pressure Gauge.
Mmakshak: I will try what you suggested I will need to use some heavier weights and add/remove them to get a better idea of the spectrum of changes it will make. However, I feel the playback is exciting to listen to so maybe I'm in the ballpark with the anti-skate and I will determine if it's damaged grooves as Stringreen has pointed out.
I hope I addressed everyone's points and thanks for your responses and encouragements.
Stringreen: I noticed with the Ebony, concerning VTA, my arm appears to be tipped up in the back but the playback sounds more smooth and the highs generally sound silkier then when the arm looks level. Also, it sounds like you can peer into the mix better and each instrument has more space around it and the soundstage seems deeper and reverb/echo sounds more connected to the sound generating it. Yes I love the cartridge. The value of the investment is found in getting the settings right and there is a narrow setting for the VTA. I've had it for a while and I'm just finding that out. Concerning the shape of the singles I'm trying to play, I do feel there may be some damage to them and there is nothing I can do about that.
Dougdeacon: I will try spinning the platter slowly and then determine if it's groove damage. Sounds like a great tip! Should I remove A/S for that exercise due to turning the platter slowly the centripetal force will be very low then?
I'm tracking at 1.86g and the range is 1.8-2g measured using my Acoustech Stylus Pressure Gauge.
Mmakshak: I will try what you suggested I will need to use some heavier weights and add/remove them to get a better idea of the spectrum of changes it will make. However, I feel the playback is exciting to listen to so maybe I'm in the ballpark with the anti-skate and I will determine if it's damaged grooves as Stringreen has pointed out.
I hope I addressed everyone's points and thanks for your responses and encouragements.