2. analog
  3. 124087-1252

Anti skate. I think something's wrong

I have an Acoustic Signiture TT with a Graham 2.2 tonearm and Ortofon Cadenza Bronze cartridge. My anti skate is set close to tracking weight and it would always dig to in inside when I would start a record. I read this is wrong so I got my Cardas test record out and placed it in smooth section and it imediately gravitated to inside. I adjusted anti skate to where cartridge slighty pulls to inside . Here is the problem. To get this I'm having to adjust anti skate to the max. I rechecked TT and it is right on level wise. I have less sibilence now and swear the two channels are more even. The right channel has always been just slightly lower than left in volume. The only qualm I have is the max antiskate I have to use. Is bearing bad? I have the blue fluid. Or I shouldn't worry and enjoy the music. Mike
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don_c55
1,025 posts
 
No anti skate, and no arm to junction box cable twist, on my VPI arm.

I do use a VTF about 0.1 gm above recommended optimum.

Remember anti skate is never completely correct across the LP. Also the stylus vibrates in three dimensions during play, making tracking error less important than many claim.

I hear no inner groove distortion on any of my 2000 Lp’s.
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cleeds
5,662 posts
 
rauliruegas

"... The analog experience is a nightmare. "

I think that's a myth. Yes, proper setup can be a tedious process. You need the right tools, and everything has to be precise. Yes, it's typically expensive to do it well. But it's a mature technology, so pretty much everything that's a factor in LP playback - I assume that's what you mean when you refer to "analog" - is a known entity. Excellent playback gear, from cartridge to phono preamp to cables, is readily obtainable ... for a price. That it is complex and easy to get wrong shouldn't make it a nightmare for anyone with experience.

There are those that want to make LP playback a mystical, ethereal pursuit. But it's really fairly basic physics and geometry.
 
audiolad
11 posts
 
I would highly suggest you either call the arm manufacturer or take the table to a reliable repair center to be checked.  That's the best recommendation anyone can give you.
uncledemp
712 posts
 
Audiolad, that's good advice.
moonglum
619 posts
 

Cleeds said :


"There are those that want to make LP playback a mystical, ethereal pursuit. But it’s really fairly basic physics and geometry."


That is until you use your ears and find that the "basic physics & geometry" didn’t go according to plan....or until your eyeballs can’t see that graticule quite as clearly as they used to. (...or until you’ve done your 20th cartridge in one day as Raul has probably done). Then it becomes a "nightmare". ;^)

I’m also one of those old fashioned guys who doesn’t like to stress gimballed bearings so whenever I do something as simple as tightening cart screws after a cartridge reposition I’ll strip the entire tonearm off the turntable.

Raul undoubtedly uses the term nightmare rather than PITA but I know exactly what he means... ;^)

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