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Reminded once again of VTA criticality...

I always adjust VTA, but sometimes I get sloppy and just adjust to the generic setting that generally works for 120 gram or 180 gram records (as applicable to the LP).

Today I was reminded yet again that every record really is different and may require a different VTA setting. After doing this for more than 25 years, you'd think I'd stop "re-learning" this. :-) The object esson today was a DGG* recording of Pettersson's 8th Symphony that my wife and I had listened to last week and were re-playing to hear again. Playing the first side, both of us were disappointed: "boy, I thought this sounded better". On flipping sides, I decided to make a VERY MINUTE adjustment in the VTA, just on the off-chance don't you know... WOW, what a change. The magic of that first listening session was back. We both looked at each other in chagrin realizing that we should have just STOPPED, acknowledged that something was WRONG and made an ADJUSTMENT to check it out.

Ah, well... For those of you still not adjusting VTA for your LPs, here is a lesson shared. You may never know just how good some of your records are.

Cheers!

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*Yes, bad example perhaps; but this DGG actually has great orchestral sound, not the usual DGG house sound.
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128x128rushton

Showing 3 responses by moonglum

moonglum
619 posts
 
Mike, the burning question is : are the changes the result of minor VTA or the change in SRA resulting from VTF? I recall someone did measurement on this and they estimated +/-3mm = +/-0.1g while I also remember a Stereophile contributor writing that it was 5mm = 1g (!!)

(That's GOT to be wrong otherwise all of our suspensions would be knackered by now???? :)
moonglum
619 posts
 
Tobes :
"Moonglum that depends on the arm being used.
My old Graham 1.5T, which had stable balance (weight slung below the pivot) like most unipivots, used to vary VTF by a similar amount - maybe more.
With the Phantom arm, which has neutral balance, VTF isn't much effected by VTA changes."

Useful info - thanks Tobes. I previously used a Linn arm (dynamically balanced, loaded by spring downforce) and for years laboured under the misconception that it was totally unaffected by VTA change.
I try to be more sensible now... :) ;)
moonglum
619 posts
 
Curio, I agree with your comments. Do you own both?

By coincidence earlier today I was double-checking VTA with the micropoise and noted that even a 0.3mm ht adjustment produced a noticeable offset on the bubble. (I noted the setting on the calibration first so that I could get back to my ideal level.)
One thing I've also observed is the tension of the locking screw can adversely affect the smoothness of the sound. For serious comparisons I'd be inclined to make sure it's always tight (but not "Linn tight" where some Dealers have braced their foot against the wall when turning the Allen key but 2 finger tight plus 1 or 2 degrees of turn - which is still within Bob's guidelines)
Feedback from other Phantom users appreciated... :)
Cheers........M.
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