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Setting tonearm angle?

I recently lucked out and got a great deal on a VPI Scoutmaster 2 with JWM 9T arm and proceeded to set it up.
I had never owned a high end table like this so the set up was a bit new. My question concerns the VTA of the arm. I set it by measuring from the bottom surface of the arm to the record surface at several places along the arm to get the arm as close to level as possible.
Is that a logical thing to have done? Would the sound better if the angle was biased in one way or the other? (Dynavector DV-20X2 H cart being used) Thanks.
rmcfee

Showing 3 responses by rauliruegas

rauliruegas
13,125 posts
 
Dear Rmcfee: Seems to me that you don't have yet a reference to compare it and IMHO you need to have a reference to compare different VTA/SRA set up to decide which one is close to the reference ( live music could be a good reference to start with. ).

Changes in VTA/SRA does not only affects the parameters you named but overhang too.

At the end and as the other posts your ears and music sound reproduction priorities will tell which set up is the one for you.

Regards and enjoy the music,
R.
rauliruegas
13,125 posts
 
Dear Islandmandan: +++++ "
In other words, I haven't noticed the necessity of adjusting overhang as VTA is adjusted. " +++++

the cartridge/tonearm alignment set up is critical to achieve the lower tracking error and lower tracking distortion. All the alignment " methods ": Baerwald, Stevenson Löfgren and the like has its foundation on the precise offset angle and overhang where any tiny tiny deviation on each of these parameters means higher tracking eror that means higher distortions.

That you be aware of those distortions or not is not the issue because that higher distortions exist if that overhang is not spot-on.

When you change VTA/SRA you change the overhang too out of its " ideal " set up and what you are hearing is not only ( as you said. ) " the improvement...by the VTA change " but a degradation on distortion level of what you heard because that overhang tiny deviation.
I repeat: that you are not aware of it it does not means is not happening. To be aware of it needs in deep training on how deviation on overhang sounds, so maybe you shoul start some method to learn about.

Regards and enjoy the music,
R.
rauliruegas
13,125 posts
 
Dear Islandmandan: ++++ " I have found there is much to learn with the vinyl format, and that is why I enjoy it so much. I have learned a lot. " +++++

I agree with you, in audio everyday is a learning day. We have to be willing to learn and to have and open mind. We can learn from any one. Like you I learn each single day.

Regards and enjoy de music,

R.
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