Ancient AR Turntable with NO anti skate

Regarding Stringreen’s advocacy for no anti-skating:

As I mentioned earlier, my experience is comprised of cartridges having relatively high compliance. In recent times a Grace F9E, F9E Ruby, a Soundsmith-retipped F9E Ruby, a Grado Reference Sonata, and currently an Audio Technica AT-ART9. And way back when a Shure and some other AT, with a different turntable and arm. In every one of those cases an anti-skating setting of zero, or anything even close to it, would result in such extreme cantilever deflection toward the outer edge of the record that it would seem preposterous to even try it.

Stringreen mentioned in another thread some time ago that he sees no such deflection. Perhaps that is due to his use of cartridges having lower compliance, or perhaps his arm is applying some amount of anti-skating force even when none is intentionally introduced, or perhaps it is due to some other factor. In any event, while I don’t question or doubt his findings, methinks he is extrapolating too broadly from them.

Regards,
-- Al

@normansizemore "puny little motor"

Not to take anything away from masterpieces like EMT, but I differ. Maybe it’s my lack of masculinity, but I like puny little motors that I can boss around. I use motors that can’t even bring my platters up to speed, at all.

So I demand, and get, minimal vibration and minimal radiated EM field. And precision manufacturing is pretty cheap and easy with these puny little things.

Just how I like it. My opinion - that’s engineering. YMMV

No Way.....   There is no unintended compensation introduced in my arm.... I am using an Ortofon Winfield - normal compliance.I have validation with my finding from golden ear pro reviewers who also say the a/s is unneeded... blurs things....anti music reproduction.   Use it if you want, but make sure your arm/cartridge is set up properly for your evaluation.....and enjoy

Terry, thanks for the 'bridge' *G*.  It's still 'a bridge too far' for the present...pardoning my 'punishing' you. ;)

But I'll go give it a stare.  Sounds like my sort of device, devious though it may be on some levels.  I'm not opposed to giving it a DIY approach either, since I build speakers (drivers, too) for my amusement....as for that....

If you Google 'DIY Walsh speakers', I'm on pg. 1 in both the links and the pics link.  So far, cheaper than bars or chasing the females...both of which might trigger demise for the typical reasons. *L*  A tonearm is one of the things on my 'bucket list' anyway...

Terry9

"So I demand, and get, minimal vibration and minimal radiated EM field. And precision manufacturing is pretty cheap and easy with these puny little things."

There is no audible EM field or audible vibration rumble etc from any of my idler drive tables.  They are dead silent. What you do get is a sense of drive, pace and power with idler drive that you can't get with belt driven tables. (Good direct drive can also give you a simlar
experience as idler drive).  You have to spend huge, (walker audio, rockport, continuum ) money to get that from belt drive.

I certainly wasn't getting it from my Thorens 166, Linn LP12, or Ariston RD11.  Yes, my Linn had $$$$$$$ in upgrades. I swear my dealer
had it more than me. (I eventually bought a Linn turntable Jig)

Norman