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Is VTA and SRA the same thing?

Hi Audiogoners.
I understand ther refer to Vertical Tracking Angle and Stylus Raking Angle.
What I would like to know is are they the same thing? I mean, every time we change the VTA, let say 1degree, then the SRA will change the same 1 degree?
Thanks,
Calvin
dangcaonguyen

Showing 2 responses by atmasphere

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,633 posts
 
if we can set the top of the cartridge perfectly parallel to the platter, then we can get very close to 92 degree?
If all is well, probably so. But I've seen cartridges where the stylus was incorrectly mounted, making the proper SRA impossible. It never sounded right either- finally traced the issue to that defect. So sound quality is a good indicator :)
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,633 posts
 
One thing to keep in mind- the SRA at 92 degrees is an average. In reality the mastering engineer didn’t set the cutter stylus that way. He set it up so it would cut a silent groove. The cutter stylus only goes about 10 hours, then you have to remove the cutter head and replace the stylus. At that point, you have to installed the head and get it aligned and calibrated, and then start fiddling with the height of the cutter and the stylus temperature until you get something that works.


The result is every LP is slightly different. Fun huh?
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