2. analog
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So I bought a WallyScope...

It's a very nice microscope and the software that comes with it, while I assume off-the-shelf, is excellent.

But here's the thing. At the end of the day, you are still basically eyeballing your VTA setup, and the instructions for the WallyScope have you do two separate observations to reach your conclusion. The first is the angle by which your stylus hangs off the cantilever, and the second is the angle of the cantilever versus the record surface.

I understand why this is done. It's so that you can measure with the record moving to get the dynamic rake angle instead of static, so that's one error that the method corrects for. But at the cost of introducing the compounding observational errors by taking two measurements and then combining them to calculate your angle.

I was very patient with this process. I spent many hours over several days. I even dismounted the scope from its frame because I found a better way to line it up for taking measurements. 

 

And after all of that, I adjusted VTA by listening. Which achieved better sound. This came to me as a revelation, although it shouldn't have.

I don't regret the purchase, but it's a lesson that we can and should trust our ears.

Ag insider logo xs@2xwoofhaven1992
pindac's avatar
pindac
2,734 posts
 

A Brand New Deck of Playing Cards supporting the Wand is a cost effective way of Controlling incremental changes to the Pillar Height in 0.3mm Steps.

I do not see how any smaller a graduation to the VTA, is going to make much change to the sonic produced.

I am usually seeing a 'Heel Down' on a Cart', once I have finally aligned it for my tastes.

'Toe Down' through to 'Heel Down' are not uncommon subjects of discussion for the aligning of a Cart'. It is the end users assessment through listening that usually determines the 'off-level' positioning selected.

It does seem to be another one of the anomalies in Audio where the end user, defies the math/geometry and uses personal and unique preference as the end control. 

Removing a batch of Cards from the Deck before placing the main Pile under the Wand, will allow for incremental 0.3mm Steps to be used, for the  Ascending/Descending of the Pillar. 

Note: A additional prop might be required to seat the Cards on to, at the required height to contact the Wand. 

Ag insider logo xs@2x
woofhaven1992 OP
63 posts
 

Cards! Perfect idea.

I'm not sure I understand "heel down" and "toe down" but I'll do some searching...

tablejockey
3,862 posts
 

So the Wally is just another accessory that ends up in the drawer of audiophoolery? 

"I'm not sure I understand "heel down" and "toe down"

"Heel down"- rear of cart body

"Toe down"- front of cart body

I suppose if I had a S.O.T.A. rig with a $10K+ cart, I'd have every contraption made for "perfect" cart alignment.

 

 

Ag insider logo xs@2x
woofhaven1992 OP
63 posts
 

I can't claim to have either a S.O.T.A. table or cart, but VTA changes, even small ones, are easy to discern audibly. 

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