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Is tonearm bias a compromise, maybe a myth?

I recently decided to check my tonearm/cartridge setup: alignment protractor, tracking force gauge, checked VTA, bias weight, etc. as over my many years with turntables and tonearms I have been surprised to discover that "shift happens". I have a very low mass arm with a very high compliance MM tracking at 1.25 gms. There was just a minor shift this time in tracking force. But afterwards I was really surprised at how much more depth there was to the soundstage and greater subtle details. I was then gobsmacked by the discovery that I had forgotten to re-attach the bias weight thread! Applying Lateral Bias seems to compromise performance elsewhere, true?
elunkenheimer

Showing 1 response by minkwelder

minkwelder
256 posts
 
Record playback involves many compromises, but anti-skating (or lateral bias) is one of the biggest. Following the turntable manufacturers instructions for setting anti-skating often results in far more lateral force than what is needed.

If you want to experiment with it, add the very smallest amount of weight back (you can even try a lighter weight than supplied with the table), and gradually increase it while carefully listening.

Your VTF is very light which would normally call for a smaller anti-skating force, but you may want to also increase the VTF in small increments into the upper ranges of the cartridge manufacturers recommended settings until the combination of settings results in the most pleasing sound.

Some turntables actually work best with no anti-skating.
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