How to properly set VTF??

Dear Sirspeedy: WElcome a board!!!

+++++ " BTW--If the arm sees the anti-skate as it plays the record,I can't understand why one would not want to adjust downforce with it engaged. " +++++

You are right but there is a little problem: usually the AS value changes a cross the record, so the VTF will change with those AS changes and we need a constant VTF. Now, if we have a constant AS then your idea is not only right but we can work with it.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

Dear Dogpile: Jameswei is right on target ( with the antiskate at zero ).

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

Dear friends: For any newcomer to analog and after read all those ( very interesting ) posts about VTF/AS/0.001/VTA issue any one of them would withdraw before to star on analog: very complicated.

Why don't just enjoy the music?

This VTF/VTA/etc/etc can't be perfect or near it. There are many parameters that preclude that:

- we need to know the right load impedance where the cartridge has flat frequency.

- we need to know the right VTF where the coils are precise centered.

- we need to know the right VTA where the frequency is flat and of course with the right VTF and Azimuth.

- what we " meausure/hear " today, tomorrow could be different for the same setup because: suspension changes ( for the use ), stylus wear, record wear, tube wear, etc, etc.

- every record is different and is cutted different and with different thickness.

- all records are concave, so the VTF/VTA change along rhe record ( some of you setup the VTF/VTA-SRA every single record, but this is not enough you have to change in every single track!!! ).

- our ear perception changes every single day: different mood, auditive loss, etc, etc.

- if today we do our analog setup with two other friends in the audio room and tomorrow we do the same with out any of them, the sound reproduction that we hear will be different because we have two less " audio traps " in the audio room.

- etc

- etc!!!!!!!!!

All of you are experienced audio people why don't do an " average " setup and use all the remaining time enjoying the music?

Don't be nuts, you are trying to be perfect on an imperfect medium: you can't have success.

Now, we have severe frequency deviations all over the audio system, at least: 1-2 db on cartridges, 1-2 db on phono stages, 5-10 db on tubes and SUTs, 5-10 db on speaker/room, 5-10 db on tube amplifiers, 1 db on SS amplifiers, 5-10 db on our ears, etc, etc.
If we want a better music/sound quality reproduction ( because is what I think we all wanted ) we have to " touch " every single link on the audio chain to a minimum frequency deviations, then the VTF/VTA-SRA issue means something to be nuts, not before.

wELL, AS i TOLD YOU: WHY DON'T JUST ENJOY THE MUSIC?

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

Dear Dan ed: +++++ " However, some of us are not new to analog and want to investigate, experiment with this stuff. " +++++

Yes, I understand this: is part of the " movie ".

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

Dear Sirspeedy: +++++ " ...about getting the best results!Now you seem to have a "glossed over" approach,and emphasize "just enjoy the music"!What gives?Have you finally gone over to digital? " +++++

Not yet. Btw, maybe you don't read what I posted or I can't explain about:

" If we want a better music/sound quality reproduction ( because is what I think we all wanted ) we have to " touch " every single link on the audio chain to a minimum frequency deviations, then the VTF/VTA-SRA issue means something to be nuts, not before. "

Regards and enjoy the music.
raul.