Analog Magic Question

Assuming you've made cartridge adjustments with the new software, are you hearing improvements?

Oh yea.

@billstevenson 

I have used the software, but I wouldn’t call myself an experienced user.  There are a few threads at WBF about it, detailing its benefits, some deficiencies, as well  as some inadvertent (non-marketed) uses.

It’s not ideal or universal for any TT.  In my case I had to set the VTA level higher than suggested due to the fact that lower border of VTA adjustment was limited by the bottom of tonearm lift base and at the time when correct (parallel) VTA level was set the bottom of lift device was actually touching the arm board and didn’t move whole way. In simple words, some TT has unique design and mechanical specs which could make difficult implementation of the program. 

I read through the posts at WBF before I bought the software, but I don’t participate there, rather I was hoping to find someone to converse with here where I am more comfortable.  Anyway, I am a new user, have used it so far on two TT, my VPI HW-40, and on my SL 1200 GAE.  On the VPI, I have mounted a SoundSmith Hyperion at the moment, and I have spent perhaps 6-8 hours working on that combination so far.  I intend to go back to it, as it is an iterative process where the adjustment of one parameter affects others and so you go back and forth trying to achieve the best balance of all the variables.  For those who are not familiar with Analog Magic, each variable (i.e. VTF, Zenith, Antiskate, VTA etc.) is evaluated by measuring distortion. When an adjustment is made to lower the distortion of any of these variables, obviously it can affect others.  Hence the need to go back and check and readjust and so forth.  This is no different from what I have done for years using test records and an "O" scope, but it is orders of magnitude more advanced.  I have learned several things so far.  The improvement so far on my VPI/Hyperion cannot be overstated, it is profound.  I have also been able to vindicate VPI’s claim that antiskate does nothing useful on their arm.  On my Technics, I have tried setting up two cartridges:  Ortofon 2M Black and VAS Nova.  The 2M Black stylus is defective, not worn out, defective, I’ve owned it for years and did not know.  A replacement LVB is on order.  The VAS Nova set up ok, but failed the arm resonance test in the vertical plain, although it passed in the lateral.  When there is a failure, be it the TT or the cartridge, as was reported in the referenced WBF thread, I don’t see that as a weakness of Analog Magic.  If, for example, the TT can’t pass the speed test and it can’t be adjusted, there is a clear message.  In my case as cited here with cartridges, I need to change cartridges or live with the distortion.  Facts are facts.  To say Analog Magic does not work with all TTs is true, it will not work with broken or defective ones.